Introduction

Ever wanted to learn something new, but didn't want to bother with a class or pay money? Same here. There are so many wonderful topics out there that need to be researched and enjoyed, but where to begin? How can anyone learn something without a proper education?

Well fortunately, you don’t need a proper education. At least, not if you’re like me and simply hoping to further your education for your own improvement. Thanks to the Internet, there are plenty of ways to study a myriad of topics all on your own. You don’t even have to pay any money; although you will have to pay with time.

I recently acquired my Masters in Library and Information Science almost entirely online. It was brutal trying to prove that I knew what I was doing to strangers who only saw me as a profile page. As much as professors can be accessed, it can still be terrifying to hope you are submitting the right project to someone you only know through emails and chats. In short, I was not a huge fan of formal online education.

At the same time, I started researching other methods of education available online. There are plenty, if you’re wondering. I found informal learning to be easier because you can go at your own place and focus on what really interests you. Granted, you do need to have a lot of discipline and motivation to keep going, but in the end, you learn so many new things that it is absolutely worth it.

Are you intrigued? I hope so. Are you nervous or skeptical? That’s expected, but don’t worry. I can be your guide. Allow me to lead you through different online options and show you how it is possible. Some will be programs set up by other websites while others will be made up by me. You don’t need to do everything I do (the beauty of online learning and such), but I will be giving you as much information as possible so you can follow along if you wish.

My new program will work as such: During the spring and fall, I will focus on new topics which will range from science and mathematics to modern and dead languages. These are the topics where I will be starting as a beginner and focusing on basics. During the summer, I will do art projects and craft projects. This is so I can work outside if need be. I do a lot of crafting and have a bachelor’s degree in Art, so there may be a few advanced projects here. During the winter, I will focus on literature and critiques to hone my literary skills. Once again, I do have a bachelor’s degree in English, so I’m aiming for advanced thought and speculation. I will keep in mind that not everyone will have my experience, so I plan on offering links and sources that will be beginner if you’re interested.

When starting each season, I will give you a quick timetable to give you an idea of how the time will pass. This may include information on projects I will do or steps I plan to take to learn the topic. There may be some surprises along the way, but no need to get ahead of myself just yet.

I hope you will join me. This is an opportunity for us to take advantage of the information available and really expand our understanding. Don’t see me as a teacher, but a fellow student (who will also offer support and assistance if need be) who only wishes to learn. This should be fun and exciting if not extremely educational. That should go without saying, but you get what I mean.

If you plan on joining me, I wish you the best of luck and let’s see what we can learn!