How to Use the Internet for Independent Studies
The Internet has become a huge source of information, and people are willingly sharing their knowledge. You can search any topic you want, and you’ll find answers in such knowledge ports as Wikipedia, GoArticles or EzineArticles. Do you want to learn how to play the drums? Have you always wanted to know how to draw cars? The Net has it all. With so much information available, it’s no wonder that people are beginning to forsake traditional learning establishments, and start using the Internet to study independently.
If you are one of these self-sufficient students, you’ll need more than a mouse and a keyboard to achieve your goal. If you wish to transfer knowledge from the Internet into your brain, you need to show determination and responsibility. Having no teachers, exams or homework makes studying less stressful, but not less demanding. These tips will help you focus on your studies:
1. Determination, determination, determination! If you have decided to learn, go ahead! Who’s standing in your way? Then again, there’s no one egging you on. So egg yourself on.
2. Set goals. You must sit down and carefully define your studies’ goals. Have you defined your specific field of ineterst? The exact purpose of your studies? And how do you plan to use the knowledge? Once you’ve made up your mind concerning these questions, you are ready to move on to the next step.
3. Create a study schedule. There are no classes you must attend, but you still have to spend a few hours every week studying. In addition, check to see that the time you can spare fits the goals you have set for yourself. If you want to learn to speak Italian fluently within a year, allocating 1 hour per week might not be enough.
4. Scour the Net. Now is the time to begin. Use the search engines and Internet knowledge bases.
5. Don’t neglect your practice. Being independent does not exempt you from practice. Find ways to put theory to practice.
6. Enjoy yourself. I’m serious! Having fun is essential for successful independent studying. Even if you feel tired or frustrated, remember how fortunate you are to be able to study on your own.
Good luck!
