I was thinking this week i would share some resources with you guys/gals. This journey is rather unique in a way. I am not being taught by anyone currently, but i figured i'd break down what i am doing so that if anyone else decides to venture out and teach themselves for the hell of it they would have some place to start.
1. You need a game plan. You should be asking your self what you want to accomplish. For me it was simple i want to be a better artist and obtaining the necessary foundation is key. I learned a long time ago that when you go to school you aren't really taught often what is given is lots of information and critiques, you can get both for free all you need are some "experts" to give you feed back so look to friends and colleagues or if its more standardized look for tests
I personally have a course list for a particular degree at the Art Institute here in Philly. That's my game plan it covers a wide swath of everything I will need to know. Honestly you can get it from the school itself or lots of time its already on line for download to perspective students.
2. if you have a course list ( if thats what your aim is), it is time to do a massive search on line for Syllabi relating to each of the courses listed in the program. This may take a few months so take your time. there is no rush. In addition to wanting a syllabus you want home work as well as tests. Its almost pointless not to have the home work. The syllabus normally provides home work but its usually not detailed. If you can find tests for whatever you studying, thats literally perfect.
There were two major sites that i found where they offered free courses online. MIT Open Courseware is a awesome spot and they have videos as well as text and some have tests and definitely homework. This is a Aplus site. Donate if you use their resources its helpful.
www.saylor.org/ is another place that although not as expansive as MIT gives you a nice round list of courses . What it does that MIT does not so far is give you a programs list for different subject you might be interested in and lays it out for you. So if you say wanted a "degree" in history it lists the courses on their website you can take that would amount to having a bs in history.
Be mindful that not every course on your list will be this easy to find many of the courses that I have, i had to pick and choose, for instance i have three syllabi for the Design Fundamentals course i am doing. Some with home work others with out.
3. Now you need books!!! $$$$$
If you were thinking that this would all be free OOOPS you were wrong. Remember this is a investment in your self and although this is significantly cheaper than going to any college you will still have to buy some things.
With books you have to be resourceful, much of what you need can be found online for cheap prices: Ebay, Half.com and other such sites will allow you to buy used books that amount to much of nothing out of pocket. One of the major books i had to buy normally cost over one hundred dollars i found it for ten. Although some books no matter where you look will be expensive.
Free books: don't stop at buying the books, try your library and try finding a PDF of the book. Remember this is self directed and although it is beneficial for you to have the version mentioned on the syllabus you don't have to. Having a earlier version is usually cheaper and typically has much of the same information that the newer version has. in addition much of the time you can find books at your local library why pay if you don't have to. Also don't stop at having one source have multiple sources it will make the information you receive well rounded.
4. Video's
"You are your own teacher" Most of the time. Depending on the nature of the subject you are studying visual information will be just as important and as virtual as reading the books that you now have. As i stated earlier do not be afraid to use your resources. Youtube often is touted as great place to find a good laugh but it is also a great place to gain much information. Many people post many useful things. Invest in a program that allows you to upload youtube videos if you need them for later use or save them to your que on youtube itself. Youtube has been my saving grace for many different topics within the courses i am now taking. Sometimes you just can't figure it out alone. Also do not be afraid to use blogs/group sites that deal with courses you are taking. They may have many of the answers you are looking for. The internet is a big place with many people and lot of information don't be scared to get out there and look.
5.You Game plan.
Ok you got your books. You got your syllabus, you even have found videos to go with some of your courses and your ready to start. At this point you need to choose wisely about what you are going to take together and how long you want this to go on. If your like me you need an actual time table and honestly its a great way to learn. It will stop you from procrastination as well as help you retain this information. There is no point in doing this if its going to take a you a year to finish one course. Although you don't want to go too fast you will end up becoming frustrated. I say take only 3 courses at once and do it 12-14 weeks. Thats about the length of a regular semester at a university. You can go slower if the pace is too fast. Remember this is your independent study don't waste your time and efforts.
6. MIS_INFORMATION
This is probably the most important rule you can forget about the internet, but none the less this is the most vital part. There are plenty of bad sources of information out there. Plenty of bad youtube videos as well as plenty of just "I thought i was right but i was dead wrong" sources. Being that you don't know about what you studying its better to use well known well transversed sources which is why i tout using the books. This is why i advise getting the syllabus, you don't want to spend three week learning the wrong way to find the derivative only to take the test found on another site and get all the wrong answer. If you get adventurous and do chemistry and add the wrong chemicals together and blow your self up THATS BAD!!! Its a great world out there but be sure of your sources and the best way to do that is get the books and get multiple sources. For those doing actual physical stuff like chemistry BE CARE PLEASE!!!
Be Aware that whether you find fully realized courses online or you have to pick and choose from a variety of sources this is all self directed. This is your journey I hope you learn plenty. Remember this also doesn't have to be about gaining a degree MIT has many courses that can be used to further your current career. HOw valuable would you be if you knew Mandarin, how valuable would you be if you could write script, how valuable would you be if…. The possibilities are indeed endless. I was told long ago information is ammunition… I plan to have a stock pile of bullets. Good Luck!!! and HAVE FUN... your learning ;-)
Toodles!!
