How do you stay a life long learner?
The past few weeks have seemed to coincidentally run along the same theme of life long learning for me.
I guess it began with the conversation I had with a friend about how their place of work was offering to pay for my friend to go back to school. We discussed the different options, and how this was potentially a great opportunity.
Shortly afterwards, I attended an event where people from different backgrounds discussed the way the education system seems to be evolving into non-traditional methods, and additionally how we personally included life long learning in our own lives.
With technology expanding the way it is, and student debt on the rise, the idea of exploring alternative learning methods expands beyond the bubble I speak of and has transcended across borders.
Here in Toronto, many people know of Ladies Learning Code. This non-profit organization that teaches beginner technical skills such as web design and 3d printing (hosted by Hot Pop Factory, a course I highly recommend) has expanded across Canada.
You can also read about this alternative tuition payment at a Learn-to-Code boot camp in San Francisco here:
Learn-to-Code Boot Camp
Or how about Enstitute, a New York based alternative to post-secondary school aimed at apprenticeships and "real world" skill development here:
Enstitute
If you don't live in any of these areas, there's also plenty to do online. I've mentioned Skillshare and Lynda before but there are plenty more. Want to learn how to play guitar from a stranger over Skype? There's a business for that called Betterfly. Or here is another alternative learning program aimed at high school students aimed at developing employable skills at DIY.
I myself just went through a whirlwind application process for a fellowship opportunity run through the MaRS Discovery District. While I only found out about it last week, the possibilities behold while daunting also seem incredibly useful and exciting. (I will find out in a few weeks time whether I've been accepted).
Here in Toronto, an event I whole heartedly advocate called Creative Mornings explored the theme of learning through play this morning. Ilana Ben-Ari (founder of 21 Toys) spoke about some common experiences through the education system and how it could change.
All of the above, while new to me, make me really excited for the future and have caused me to reevaluate the skills I have and the skills I want to have.
So how do you continue your learning? I would love to hear some suggestions if you have them, especially for any options here in good old Hogtown.
