It is a common misconception that the only way to learn is in a classroom setting, with a teacher present. There are many opportunities for learning outside of college.
Many people who have successful careers never set foot inside a college classroom. Let’s take a closer look at some alternative ways to learn new skills.
Watch educational videos on YouTube or other streaming services
YouTube is a great resource for educational videos on a variety of topics. By watching these videos, students can learn more about a topic they are interested in or gain new skills outside of high school or college and the traditional classroom setting.
In addition to being able to watch videos on any device, YouTube also offers closed captioning and transcripts which can help viewers follow along and understand the content better.
For students who are visual learners or prefer to learn by example, watching educational videos on YouTube can be a great way to supplement their learning. And since there are videos on nearly every topic imaginable, there is sure to be something for everyone.
Related: What Jobs Can You Get at 14?
Learn on your own using books, the internet, or podcasts
Self-education can be a fantastic way to learn new skills, especially if you’re not able to attend college. There are several ways to teach yourself new things, using books, the internet, and podcasts.
Reading books has many benefits. It can improve your vocabulary, help you learn about new topics, and make you smarter. Reading books is also a great way to relax and escape from the real world for a while.
Similarly, the internet is a brilliant resource for self-education. You can find online content on almost any topic, and there are millions of articles and videos available on the web. If you’re struggling to learn something, chances are somebody has already written about it online.
Podcasts are another great way to learn new things. If you are always busy or prefer listening to information over reading, there are podcasts about almost every topic imaginable, from history to science to business. Podcasts are usually shorter than books and you can even listen to podcasts while working, driving, or doing chores.
Take online courses
An online course is a type of study program that can be taken by students through the internet. It allows students to learn at their own pace and in their own time through digital materials. This might involve pre-recorded or live-streamed lectures, printable worksheets and booklets, and even online proctored tests and assessments.
There are many benefits to taking online courses. One of the main benefits is that you can learn at your own pace. This is great for people who have busy lives or who work full-time. Another advantage is that you can learn new things from the comfort of your own home. This is a great option for people who are shy or who don’t want to go to a traditional classroom setting.
That said, there are some disadvantages to consider when studying online. Most importantly, you can’t get the same type of interaction with a professor that you would in a traditional classroom setting. Another disadvantage is that you may not have access to all of the resources that you would in a traditional setting. Finally, you may have to pay for your course, which can be a deterrent for some students.
Enroll in a trade school
If college is not right for you, trade school might be a better option. Many trade schools can help you learn the skills you need to succeed in your desired career. They also offer programs that last two years or less, so you can get started on your career more quickly.
And, because trade school programs are focused on specific careers, you will have the opportunity to learn the skills that are most relevant to your chosen field. For instance, in fields such as metal fabrication, you might find programs or workshops that use advanced machinery like a cnc plasma cutting machine or a mold injection fabricator, ensuring you gain expertise in the specific tools relevant to your career path. Similarly, in healthcare, trade school programs may offer accelerated courses for medical assistants or dental technicians, providing hands-on training and expertise in healthcare practices. So if you’re looking for an alternative to college, you might want to consider some of the trade school options listed below:
- Electricals
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Dentistry
- Coding
Join a learning community or mastermind group
A learning community is a great way to learn new things and meet new people. It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. For example, you might join a cooking class or a gardening group. You can also find online communities that meet your interests.
Similarly, a mastermind group is a smaller group of people who meet regularly to discuss business or personal topics. This is a great way to get feedback and ideas from others. It’s also a great way to get accountability and support from experts in your chosen field.
College is not the only way to learn
So, are people able to learn outside of college? The answer is yes. Some people learn best in a traditional college setting, while others may prefer to learn online or through more hands-on methods.
There are many different ways to learn, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide what type of learning environment works best for them.