Your learning process does not end once you earn a university degree. The knowledge you have acquired there has a limited shelf life.
With the rise of new technologies, the need for new careers, tasks, and skills is growing. The LinkedIn study backs me up on that. Namely, the majority of the fastest-growing jobs in the U.S. did not exist five years ago.
In this article, you will learn how to keep learning in an ever-evolving technological world.
Keep your Learning Mobile
You have little or no time for some extra activities that deviate from your busy schedule. Fortunately, digital technologies allow you to learn on the go.
For example, podcasts are hands-free and eyes-free content form. You can listen to them while commuting or performing your daily activities.
Most importantly, they have immense educational value. There is a podcast on almost any topic. In a world that is getting busier and busier, these technologies help you balance your personal and professional lives.
Choose your Learning Channels
Which learner type are you – visual, verbal, logical, physical, or social? Your preferences and personality traits impact your educational success.
That is why you should determine who you can learn the best. Whether it is listening to someone or reading, choosing the right channels can improve your learning processes.
Fortunately, technology is helping us tailor our learning to your specific preferences. For example, say you want to learn the basics of tennis? Learning sports combines visual and kinesthetic learning. Therefore, finding tennis instructional videos created by professional players may be the right move for you.
Alternatively, numerous unconventional learning sources can boost your engagement. Some of them are LinkedIn’s Lynda or Grow with Google.
Diversify your Skills and Knowledge
With the rise of technological advancements, there is a growing demand for unique combinations of knowledge and skills. Therefore, do not limit yourself to your chosen career and educational background. Consider gaining additional skills that may help you grow your career.
This concept is often referred to as the T-shaped mindset. In that case, the vertical stands for the depth of their knowledge and expertise in a specific field. The horizontal bar stands for your eagerness to learn new skills.
For example, say you are a project manager. To take your career to the next level, you may need to learn more about time management, leadership, or staying calm under pressure. These skills can help you broaden your horizons and manage your staff and projects more efficiently.
On the other hand, if you are a digital marketing or sales expert, why not take an online course on customer psychology? It can help you understand your customers better and create marketing campaigns that resonate with them.
Listen to Industry Experts
Online platforms are changing the way we learn. In today’s hyperconnected world, it has never been simpler to connect with experts in your field. The rise of social networks, blogs, podcasts, and other media formats has led to the rapid democratization of knowledge.
Via these channels, you can read, listen to, and watch authoritative figures in your field. You can learn more from their experiences and stories of trial and error. Use LinkedIn as your starting point. It lets you connect with industry professionals and leverage the tips and insights they share.
Find Reputable People to Learn From
Digital technologies have made the learning process simpler, faster, and more available. However, finding reliable learning sources in such a hectic online ecosystem may be challenging. Perform a quick search on any topic, and you will find an abundance of resources on it. Any online user with fast internet and a smartphone can create a blog or post videos, irrespective of their expertise level.
Therefore, when using digital technologies, the goal is to find reputable informational sources. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Who is the author of the website/platform/app? Are their credentials and industry expertise stated?
- Check the website domain. Is it from a trustworthy organization (.org), an educational institution (.edu), or a commercial organization (.com)?
- Check for accuracy by comparing information from a website against other information sources. It is essential to learn from data-backed and unbiased resources.
Over to You
To keep learning in a fast-changing technological world, you first need to develop a learning mindset. Always be open to acquiring new skills, brushing up existing knowledge, and using innovative technologies. I hope these insights will help you!
How do you use new technologies to keep learning? We are listening!
Featured image from RawPixel.