The Internet is just like an ocean with plenty of things inside of it. Generally, we can say that there is an answer for everything on the Internet, and it is only a click away. We have search engines like Google where you can go and ask a question, and you will get plenty of information regarding the inquiry, but even much more than that. Thus, the possibilities are endless.
Nevertheless, with this vast amount of information, there also comes the fear of consuming false information. To be honest, anyone can go on the Internet and write about a particular topic, and if their SEO is on point, you will see it on the first page of the Google search.
Thus, it is important to know how to classify the information you are presented with, especially if you are learning something new that’s related to school or work. On that note, we will explore today in the following paragraphs how to spot reliable sources and make sure that the knowledge they are providing is true and accurate.
Table of Contents
Learning for School
Most students go to the Internet for help in cases when they feel stuck or don’t understand the lesson fully. So, first and foremost, have it clear in your mind what information it is that would make your learning easier. Sometimes, there are sources on the Internet that explain things simply, and it is easier for people to understand. Next, it is absolutely crucial to use search engines that are well-known and have proven to provide factual information. Apart from Google, there are plenty of other search engines that are reputable and credible, so using any of them will more or less give you the same results.
Next, there are specific websites that are dedicated to education and academia. These websites have a lot of interactive material and courses to learn about any topic from school, ranging from quantum physics to analyzing Shakespeare’s dramas. The websites we recommend for learning are Khan Academy, Coursera, edX, MIT OpenCourseWare, Udemy, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning, and academic databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, PubMed, or any other journal that fits your major. Once you verify the source, you have paved the way to mastering any topic, and all you need to do is read and understand.
Learning for Hobbies
Apart from school, where a lot of learning is basically required, one might also be interested in learning a new hobby. Let’s say you are interested in learning knitting as a new way of passing your free time. You can definitely do all of that by simply watching some YouTube tutorials; however, make sure you are starting off from the basics and moving forward. Similarly, if you want to know how to play slots better, then reading the online slots guide beforehand will definitely help. Or, if you are, let’s say, interested in learning some DIY projects, then Pinterest is the place to go for inspiration. Basically, you can learn any hobby that you want, if you are dedicated enough to it and take advantage of the technology and the information it brings us.
In order to get the best of the internet sources when learning for a hobby, then we recommend that you use a mix of all the tools you are provided.
So, for instance, if you are reading about one hobby, then watching a video on the same topic on YouTube is definitely a good idea. This will particularly be beneficial for visual learners who need to see and visualize whatever they are learning. Similar to that, it will help the audio learners hear and understand the concepts better. Lastly, be aware that for you to learn the hobby better then you have to practice it regularly. This means that time and dedication need to go into whatever you are trying to learn. So, try things out and see what favors you better and go with that method and you will undoubtedly succeed.
What to Keep in Mind when Exploring the Internet?
As we previously mentioned, there is so much served on the Internet and with that, there is the possibility of coming across information that is not accurate but presented as such. Thus, we have to be aware of this situation at all times. On the other hand, even worse than that is that there are websites that are camouflaged as offering knowledge but are actually aiming at entering your computer and hacking your information. So, always look out for things that might not look right on a website and don’t ever download files unless you are 100% sure of the site itself being legit and credible.
Conclusion
Knowledge doesn’t always have to come from books. Of course, books are a great way of enriching your mind and one cannot deny that. However, the Internet now offers so many ways of learning things that it accommodates almost every learner’s needs. There are guides, courses, short summaries, AI tools, videos, recordings and many more that will make your learning easier. So, why not make technology work for you be it for school, hobbies or just any topic you want to know more about? So, go out there, explore and learn new things using the guide we provided above, but always keep in mind the advice we gave in being cautious on the Internet!
Brian, the dedicated Editor and Education Enthusiast at Faspe, is a dynamic force breathing life into the realm of education. Grounded in pedagogical expertise and fueled by boundless passion, Brian enriches the team with extensive experience, curating resources that inspire educators and students alike. His unshakable faith in the transformative power of education propels individuals to reach for the stars on their educational journey.
