{"id":2276,"date":"2021-04-28T14:01:11","date_gmt":"2021-04-28T13:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.englishforums.com\/blog\/?p=2276"},"modified":"2021-04-28T14:01:11","modified_gmt":"2021-04-28T13:01:11","slug":"how-to-use-the-internet-to-learn-new-things-cheaply","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.englishforward.com\/blog\/how-to-use-the-internet-to-learn-new-things-cheaply\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use the Internet to Learn New Things Cheaply"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Internet is the planet\u2019s biggest learning resource. Packed with information, it covers virtually any subject you can think of. All available with a few clicks.<\/span>
\nThere\u2019s just one problem: where to start. And if you do know what you want to learn about, vast ranges of options are available. Some aren\u2019t cheap. It\u2019s a real challenge.<\/span>
\nIf you\u2019re just starting out on the path to online learning – or you\u2019re simply looking for some fresh pointers – this quick guide should help you smarten up, saving time and money\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn another language<\/b><\/h2>\n

Picking up another language is doubly useful. Not only does it give you an educational insight into other cultures, but it also broadens your career prospects in other countries.<\/span>
\nThis one\u2019s quick and easy. <\/b>A resource called <\/span>Duolingo<\/span><\/a> combines learning with speed, making it ideal for those looking to acquire knowledge in their precious spare time.<\/span>
\nOver 30 languages are there to learn, and you can do so for free if you wish. With each mini-course clocking in at around 10 minutes, this is a no brainer.<\/span>
\nAlongside the usual French, German and Italian are some more fun options. For example, \u2018Game of Thrones\u2019 viewers might want to try pronouncing words in High Valyrian.\u00a0<\/span>
\nA great way to slay any pesky dragons that are affecting your confidence\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Open your mind<\/b><\/h2>\n

A traditional route education-wise is to study at university for a number of years, which requires time and, most importantly, money. Student fees are famously expensive.<\/span>
\nEducation shouldn\u2019t break the bank. <\/b>One long-established choice for learners is the <\/span>Open University<\/span><\/a>. They\u2019ve offered a dizzying range of subjects to study over the years.<\/span>
\nFrom getting a grounding in law, politics or the environment, to maths, sports and the arts, you\u2019re bound to find something right for you. Approx 1,000 courses await, and they\u2019re free of charge.<\/span>
\nThe courses are online, but old-fashioned learning with books is still very much in demand. Use a <\/span>price comparison search engine for books<\/span><\/a> and you can ensure that you can fill up your knowledge bucket with low-cost textbooks.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Start cooking\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

One of the planet\u2019s most underrated life skills is cooking. So many people lead busy lives, relying on ready meals containing processed ingredients and high salt and sugar content.<\/span>
\nBut cooking is hard isn\u2019t it? <\/b>Well, maybe if you\u2019re a cordon bleu chef. Mastering the basics or learning a new recipe on the other hand is easier than you think. And above all free.<\/span>
\nBBC Good Food<\/span><\/a> likes to provide added value to the licence fee, giving anyone access to top-quality sustenance that can often be made on a small budget\u2026 depending on the ingredients!<\/span>
\nIt\u2019s one of many options out there but is arguably one of the best. Other resources you might find whetting your appetite are <\/span>supermarket recipe pages<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>
\nNourish your mind before filling your belly. The best part is the cost, which more often than not is zero\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Get into coding<\/b><\/h2>\n

A quick tip here. Learning a spoken language is a worthwhile activity, but how about the language of computers? It all starts with a code.<\/span>
\nHow to break it? <\/b>Become a coder. The industry is always on the grow. Unless humans stop using technology for everything, this is a skill that will serve you for life.<\/span>
\nWhether you\u2019re looking to pay or spend zilch on the basics, <\/span>General Assembly<\/span><\/a> is geared towards this ever-expanding sector.\u00a0<\/span>
\nDiverse subjects on offer include Software Engineering and Data Analytics. This is certainly an option for those wanting to launch a career and possibly supplement existing income.\u00a0<\/span>
\nLearning isn\u2019t a tough code to crack if you put the time and effort in\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Make things musical<\/b><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s say you\u2019re less practical and numbers aren\u2019t your thing. Maybe you want to be more creative. Learning a musical instrument has arguably never been easier.<\/span>
\nFancy a tinkle? <\/b>Check out <\/span>Pianu<\/span><\/a>. This online music teacher gives you a virtual keyboard on which to practice your Mozart. Or Tim Minchin, depending on your taste!\u00a0<\/span>
\nBecause the piano isn\u2019t the simplest of things to master there is a price tag. Noodling on the keys however is free, should you be one of those who picks up a new skill intuitively.<\/span>
\nOf course, there\u2019s one place where all the free learning you could ever need is available round the clock. What are we talking about\u2026?<\/span><\/p>\n

Stream what you want<\/b><\/h2>\n

YouTube has really changed the game in terms of learning new skills. Other sites are out there, but for many, the enduring site is their first port of call.<\/span>
\nThis is great. <\/b>All the topics we\u2019ve covered so far can be searched for and viewed via the platform. Plus much more, from <\/span>putting up a shelf<\/span><\/a> to <\/span>building a camera<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>
\nThe pros are that you have a wealth of information at your fingertips. The cons concern quality control. Anyone can upload a video, so results may vary!<\/span>
\nIt\u2019s certainly a good place to find out more about the world around you, and the skills needed to succeed in your chosen field.<\/span>
\n 
\nPlease be advised that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog are solely that of the author or his\/her sources and do not necessarily reflect those of English Forward. This includes, but is not limited to, third-party content contained on or accessible through the English Forward websites and web pages or sites displayed as search results or contained within a directory of links on the English Forward network.<\/em>
\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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