The internet is basically the ultimate buffet of knowledge, amirite?
You’ve got an endless selection of courses, videos, blogs, and guides to feast on, but without a plan, you’ll just end up overwhelmed and stuck in the dessert section (a.k.a. cat videos).
Discover how to navigate the chaos, uncover the best resources, and build your own custom learning journey, all while avoiding the junk food of clickbait and outdated websites.
Why the Internet is the Ultimate Classroom
Let’s get one thing straight: the internet is the best thing to happen to education since someone figured out chalkboards.
It’s a 24/7 classroom with unlimited seating, no dress code, and snacks allowed (I’m looking at you, bag of chips).
But the internet is also like a flea market – you can find incredible treasures, but you’ll have to dig through some questionable knockoffs and a surprising amount of random weirdness to get there.
Want to learn guitar? There’s a course for that. Need to fix your bike? There’s a YouTube video for that. Suddenly curious about medieval bread recipes?
Oh, there’s definitely a blog for that.
The challenge, though, is knowing how to find the hidden gems while avoiding the digital equivalent of a broken toaster. That’s where this guide comes in.
Whether you’re trying to master a new skill, explore a passion, or finally figure out how to use Excel without swearing under your breath, I’ve got you covered.
Step 1: Know Thyself (And Thy Goals)
Before you dive headfirst into the internet’s infinite abyss of knowledge, take a moment to figure out what you actually want to learn.
Without a clear goal, you’re like a ship without a rudder – aimlessly drifting and likely to crash into a reef made of Reddit memes.
Here’s how to clarify your learning goals:
- What exactly do you want to learn? Be specific. Instead of “I want to learn coding,” try “I want to learn Python so I can automate boring tasks at work.”
- Why do you want to learn it? Your motivation matters. Are you doing this for fun, for your career, or just to prove to your cat that you’re capable of greatness?
- What’s your timeline? Are you trying to master the basics in a month, or is this a long-term project?
- What’s your learning style? Do you prefer watching videos, reading articles, or diving into hands-on projects?
Example:
Let’s say you want to learn digital marketing. Your goal might look like this:
- Learn digital marketing basics (SEO, social media, email marketing) in three months.
- Focus on free or low-cost resources.
- Watch video tutorials and complete exercises to apply what I’ve learned.
One good way to create a goal for new knowledge would be to ask your friendly AI bot:
But the response might be slightly… unhelpful, as you’ll see when you check out that link.
Sure, ChatGPT told me what I should know about eMail Marketing, but there’s zero:
“Here’s HOW to find and learn the information required.”
Blah! Plus you’ll notice there were zero hyperlinks to guide me, either.
Thus, a better query for ChatGPT might be:
And at first glance, that response looks ‘way better! Unfortunately, some of the links returned were (sigh) hallucinated (aka wrong).
If you find yourself encountering such issues, ditch the AI Chatbot and return to Ye ‘Ole Google and search for:
and limit the results to those within the past year.
Click above – you’ll see the resources listed are much more targeted and useful.
Back to planning – with a clear plan in mind, you’ll save yourself from wandering down unrelated rabbit holes like “History of Memes” or “Top 10 Weirdest Animal Facts” (which, let’s be honest, are very tempting).
Step 2: Google Like a Detective
Google isn’t just a search engine – it’s your personal research assistant.
But if all you’re doing is typing “how to learn photography,” you’re barely scratching the surface of what Google can do for you.
Here are some advanced Google search techniques to help you find the best resources:
- Use Quotation Marks (“ ”): This searches for exact phrases. For example, “beginner photography tips” will only show results with that exact phrase.
- Use site: to Target Specific Domains: For academic resources, try site:.edu (e.g., site:.edu free photography courses). For nonprofit info, use site:.org.
- Search for File Types: Use filetype:pdf to find downloadable guides or eBooks (e.g., photography basics filetype:pdf).
- Use intitle: to Search Titles: For example, intitle:”learn Photoshop” will focus on pages with “learn Photoshop” in the title.
- Exclude Irrelevant Results: Add a minus sign (-) to exclude terms. For example, learn Python -snake to avoid results about actual pythons.
- Search with AND/OR: Combine topics with AND or search for alternatives with OR (e.g., digital marketing AND free course or SEO OR social media marketing).
Example Searches:
If you’re trying to learn graphic design, try these searches:
- “beginner graphic design course” filetype:pdf
- site:.edu “graphic design tutorials”
- intitle:”free Photoshop tutorials”
- graphic design resources AND Canva tutorials
Step 3: Explore Online Learning Platforms
Online learning platforms are like the Hogwarts of the internet – except instead of magic wands, you’re learning practical skills like Python, public speaking, or how to make sourdough bread without accidentally creating a yeast monster.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best platforms:
- Coursera: Offers university-level courses from top institutions like Stanford and Yale. Many are free to audit, but you’ll need to pay if you want a certificate.
- edX: Similar to Coursera, with courses from MIT, Harvard, and more. Perfect for academic-style learning.
- Udemy: Affordable courses on everything from coding to cake decorating. Quality varies, so read reviews before you buy.
- Khan Academy: 100% free and great for academic subjects like math, science, and history.
- Skillshare: Focuses on creative skills like design, photography, and writing. Think of it as the artsy cousin of Coursera.
- LinkedIn Learning: Great for professional skills like marketing, project management, and software tools.
- Codecademy: If you’re learning to code, this platform is a must.
Pro Tip
Leverage Free Trials & Discounts!
Many platforms offer free trials, discounts, or even scholarships. Google “Udemy coupons” or check if your library has free access to LinkedIn Learning.
Why pay full price when you don’t have to?
Step 4: Dive Into YouTube University
YouTube is an educational goldmine – if you can resist the temptation to watch “10 Hours of Cats Knocking Things Over” (a classic).
Some of the best educational channels include:
- CrashCourse: Quick, engaging lessons on topics like history, science, and philosophy.
- TED-Ed: Bite-sized animated lessons on fascinating topics.
- The Coding Train: A quirky, fun channel for learning programming.
- Proko: If you’re learning to draw, Proko’s tutorials are a game-changer.
- Khan Academy: Their YouTube channel complements their main platform with short, focused videos.
Pro Tip:
Look for playlists! Playlists are like pre-built study plans. Check out:
- HubSpot Marketing’s Digital Marketing Playlist
- Neil Patel’s Digital Marketing Training Playlist
- Digital Garage’s Online Marketing Course Playlist
Cool!
Step 5: Join Reddit’s Learning Communities
Reddit is like a giant online study group – except instead of awkward silences, you get memes, advice, and enthusiastic strangers who are happy to help.
Here are some of the best subreddits for learning:
- r/learnprogramming: Tips, resources, and support for aspiring coders.
- r/languagelearning: Share progress, get advice, and find resources for learning new languages.
- r/DIY: Perfect for hands-on learners who want to build, fix, or create.
- r/learnart: A supportive community for improving your art skills.
- r/askscience: Ask experts any science-related question and get well-researched answers.
Pro Tip:
Take advantage of the Reddit Enhancement Suite!
Never heard of that yet? Me too! However, I did create a rather nifty tutorial about it – check it out here. You’ll greatly enjoy it!
Step 6: Discover Free Libraries and Databases
For those of you who love books, textbooks, and academic papers, there’s a treasure trove of free online libraries and databases waiting for you:
- Project Gutenberg: Over 60,000 free eBooks, including tons of classics.
- Open Library: From the Internet Archive! Excellent selection.
- Google Scholar: Search for academic papers and research articles.
- OpenStax: Free college-level textbooks on math, science, and more.
- JSTOR Open Access: Free access to thousands of academic articles.
If you’re learning an academic subject or just want to sound super smart at parties, these resources are a must.
Pro Tip:
Use Free Public Library Resources!
Many local libraries offer free digital access to Libby (ebooks & audiobooks), Hoopla (movies & music), and Kanopy (documentaries).
Don’t know if your local library has such options? Find it via this library search engine and check it out today!
Step 7: Gamify Your Learning with Apps
Learning doesn’t have to feel like work – turn it into a game instead! Gamified apps make the process fun, addictive, and rewarding:
- Duolingo: Learn languages with bite-sized lessons and a slightly intimidating owl reminding you to practice.
- Quizlet: Create flashcards and play games to reinforce your knowledge.
- Memrise: Another great language-learning app with fun mnemonics.
- Habitica: Turn your learning goals into a role-playing game where you earn points for completing tasks.
Pro Tip:
Create your own Gamification Plan!
You can even customize it for specific quirks or preferences of yours. Here’s some more details you can take advantage of.
Step 8: Your Comprehensive 10-Step Action Plan
Here’s your blueprint for finding and using online resources effectively:
- Define Your Topic and Goal: Be specific about what you want to learn and why.
- Set a Timeline: Decide how much time you’ll dedicate each week and create milestones.
- Search Smartly: Use advanced Google search techniques to find high-quality resources.
- Explore Platforms: Sign up for courses on platforms like Coursera or Skillshare.
- Watch Tutorials: Use YouTube playlists to structure your learning.
- Join Communities: Engage with Reddit, Discord, or Facebook groups for advice and motivation.
- Download Free Resources: Visit Project Gutenberg, OpenStax, or JSTOR for free guides and textbooks.
- Gamify the Process: Use apps like Duolingo or Habitica to make learning fun.
- Organize and Track: Bookmark sites, save PDFs, and create a spreadsheet to track your progress.
- Reflect and Adjust: Regularly evaluate your progress and tweak your approach as needed.
Cool!
Conclusion: The Internet is Your Oyster
Finding online educational resources doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
With the strategies and tools in this guide, you’ll uncover the best resources, stay organized, and actually enjoy the process of learning.
So grab your metaphorical treasure map, start exploring, and remember: the internet is full of knowledge – you just have to know where to dig.
