Introduction to learning 

Learning how to learn

Learning techniques 

There are several different techniques to speed up your learning curve or improve your memory. One of the keys to better learning is to improve your memory skills. Until we can add RAM to our own brain improving on how we use available memory is the next best thing, perhaps even better.

Computer based training (CBT)

When you find yourself in need of new skills or knowledge, there are different ways of acquiring them. If you are already active in your field you can team up with colleagues who have more experience and learn firsthand and share your knowledge and expertise. 

If this is not possible or if it is a more structured method of learning you are looking for there are plenty of other possibilities. One of them is Computer Based Learning (CBT). 

Computer based training is designed to study with the help or through a computer, with or without access to the internet. 

This method of learning has advantages and disadvantages. 

But let's not burn those books yet. While the computer is great for visualising, running virtual experiments, for filling in forms and doing other tasks, a lot of learning is done by reading. Until we can curl up on the couch or sofa with our computers or use them on the bus or train in a similar way we do books or magazines, most reading is still done from paper based materials such as (text)books, magazines, et cetera. Progress is being made in this area with eBook readers beginning to emerge.

The good thing about laptops is that they are full pc's, the bad thing is that they're not as portable, flexible or specialised like a book, report or magazine. 

Once behind your desk, however, the computer is an extremely useful tool to have. You can learn at your own pace, editing and saving your work at any time. If connected to the internet you can look up references, talk with or sent messages to other students and teachers. In a few years we will be able to interact live through our webcams and then we can be at home and in a classroom at the same time.

For people in remote areas computers and the internet have become a means of keeping in touch with friends, relatives and business associates. As more and more people are unable to find suitable employment locally or even regionally, computer and web based training make it possible to get qualified without having to travel. 

Teleworking too is rapidly becoming accepted. Why travel to work, wasting hours of your day sitting in traffic jams or overcrowded transport systems when you can do the job at home working from your pc? 

Companies worldwide are beginning to see the benefits of teleworking. Whereas before they were wary of employees working without supervision, and not doing the work properly or at all, they are beginning to see the cost effectiveness of not having to buy or rent expensive offices or office space and all associated expenses that come with it. 

Other training possibilities and topics

Computer based training is not for everyone, however. Many people do not learn well using a computer but prefer a classroom or hands on situation. 

A combination of learning alone with the help of a computer, coupled with some classes works best for many people. Some people cannot learn on their own simply because they lack the discipline or are too distracted by a busy home life. 

For them, one of the other forms of training is more suitable. Evening or weekend classes, short seminars, workshops and short full time courses are other ways to learn. 

Abbreviations and acronyms

Encyclopaedias and dictionaries

The internet, as the single best reference source ever created, is home to all the bookshelf encyclopaedias and dictionaries we have come to know and rely on, plus some new and exciting ones. Don't be without -correct- information!