Have you noticed that life is becoming ever more digitized? In this rapidly changing world, we’re all doing more and more stuff online, from boring old work tasks to staying in touch with friends and family. This ever-evolving, web-driven landscape is very much a digital playground, but it also contains within it a world of online learning.
Honestly, it’s possible these days to develop some serious skills across a wide range of interests, from pro gaming to music production, photography…even practical skills in personal finance. What’s even more exciting is that these digital tools and platforms are still very much at the beginning of their life cycles—emerging trends like Web3.0 are set to evolve them even further.
If you’re ready to level-up your life then keep reading! In this article, we’ll dive into the core tech reshaping modern learning experiences. You’ll find plenty of resources and tips to help you get started with whatever it is you want to learn. So, let your thirst for knowledge and skills development take the wheel, and let’s get started!
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Next-Level Learning Platforms
Ok, so the concept of online learning is hardly a new thing. The ripple effects of the Covid-19 pandemic saw learners across the globe make the switch to digital education, and prior to that, a number of bachelor’s degrees and advanced diplomas were carried out exclusively in the digital space.
Then, of course, we have those super-convenient platforms like Udemy, Coursera and MasterClass which really set the stage for at-home flexible learning. Some even showcase free courses that are created in partnership with top colleges and universities, providing comprehensive development programmes that were once confined to eye-wateringly-priced further ed institutions.
What’s new in this well-established sector? Well, with advanced tech like artificial intelligence working its way through, quite a lot! The recent rise of AI-powered customization in online learning is pushing its capabilities even further. LinkedIn Learning is a great example! Already integrated into the popular social media appl, the platform uses machine learning to assess your knowledge in a wide range of core competencies and disciplines, before adapting course content to suit your pace, preferences and individual learning style.
Artificial intelligence has the power to deliver highly-curated learning experiences, so, whether you’re planning to brush up on your basics or fancy diving into in-depth mastery, keep an eye out for these innovative platforms.
Steps into Pro Gaming
It wasn’t all that long ago that you’d have been laughed out of the room for sharing your ambitions to become a pro gamer! For much of the past two decades, though, gaming geeks the world over have been proving naysayers wrong by building lucrative and sustainable careers playing video games, often via online learning tools.
Sure, the first step in any career in pro gaming is to master the game at hand. But, imagine how difficult that would be if it weren’t for today’s cutting edge technologies? Not only do cloud streaming services like PlayStation Plus and digital marketplaces like Steam give you unparalleled access to the latest and greatest video games with zero restrictions on how long you play for, but the world wide web is jam-packed with learning tools and resources.
A quick glance at Twitch will bring up educational streams from the leading lights of eSports. And even the Web 2.0 is a vast virtual library of how-to-guides, advanced strategies and more across games as diverse as Age of Empires II and Honor of Kings.
Plus, the more niche forms of gaming are catered to as well—curious to know how to play online roulette games, for instance? There are easily-digestible resources on iGaming platforms that break down everything. Or, maybe you’re harboring a secret desire to be a chess grandmaster? You’ll find everything you need online to turn you into 2024’s answer to Kasparov!
New Frontiers in Creative Learning
We’ve talked careers and we’ve talked formal education…what else can you enrich your life with in this digital playground? How about amping up your creativity?
Let’s talk music production for a moment. As it has with so many other industries and sectors, the arrival of the internet has widened access to the music industry, making it easy for anyone anywhere in the world to learn fundamental skills including composition, mixing and editing.
The joy of these platforms is that they require minimal setup and also integrate collaborative features, making it possible to create and share music with people worldwide. You won’t be left struggling in the deep end, either, as (if we circle back to learning platforms for a moment) digital studios like Soundtrap offer courses covering everything from beat-making to audio engineering.
Financial Literacy in the Digital Age
Whether you’re a Gen Z preparing for retirement or a Gen Alpha taking your first steps into the convoluted world of personal finance, online tools are making it possible for everyone to learn the basics of budgeting, investing and financial planning.
With so much economic instability occurring even in the most developed of markets right now, financial literacy is essential…so it’s great that there are lots of tools that can empower you to make the best decisions with your money. Coincidentally, one happens to be called just that!
Empower is among a number of paid and free apps that go beyond simple budgeting, integrating features that will teach you about responsible spending, retirement savings and debt management. You can use them to set entirely personal goals and receive real-time advice as you track your progress.