Introduction to self-learning
The Internet contributed to the concept of self-learning and promoted it during the last two decades. The definition of self-learning, however, is by far older. Dr.Rowntree identifies self-learning as “it is the process in which the learners teaches themselves through resources to achieve a certain goal without direct support from a teacher”. While another educationist A.Tough says “it is the efforts that exerted by an individual by his himself to prepare an educational environment of his own and pick the resources to learn and gain skills”
Self-learning promotes self-help and the desire to self-motivate curiosity without the interference of institutions or joining any academic pattern.
In the past, that was more difficult due to a shortage of resources and tools. While nowadays, the Internet makes it easier and more affordable for everyone.
The benefits of the Internet in self-learning
Thus, electronic and technological progress contributed to education and provided the opportunity for the emergence of the idea of self-learning on a larger global scale, where the benefits of using the Internet in the educational process appear to achieve the goals of the student, teacher, and guardian.
The advantages of using the Internet in self-learning:
- Not restricted by time and place, which allows flexibility for both the student and the teacher.
- No boredom of the official school hours.
- Direct communication between the two sides of the educational process.
- All you need is a computer connected to the Internet. Very low cost.
- Education tools such as educational platforms, videos, photos make it fun.
- Saving time, no travel to/from the school.
Advantages of self-learning
- Freedom. The learner chooses the desired field.
- Considers the learner’s abilities, self-awareness, and capabilities.
- Not a time-bound process, the self-learner picks his own pace according to the lifestyle.
- No stressful psychological pressures of educational institutions.
- Enhancing self-confidence, self-reliance, and self-monitoring.
- Establishing subjective measures of success appropriate to the learner’s ability.
Self-learning platforms
They have become one of the most important learning tools, as a source of information and equipment that helps the self-learners achieve their goals. There are paid platforms as well as free of charge. Many of them offer accredited international certificates.
Below are the most important well-known successful educational platforms that are growing popular and successful globally:
- Coursera: It is one of the most prominent global self-learning platforms, and most of the courses available are translated into Arabic.
- Udemy platform: It is the best platform for learning any skill as quickly as possible, and there are courses in almost all fields. The Arabic language is also featured.
- Udacity platform: Number one self-learning platform in the field of technology. It is considered one of the leading platforms in e-learning in general and in the field of technology in particular.
- The edX platform: It offers educational courses to students of higher education in many disciplines, especially science, engineering, and physics.
- LinkedIn learning platform: It is a platform affiliated with the famous site “LinkedIn”. It is useful and effective.
- Edraak platform: Offers courses in Arabic, organized and popular.
- Almentor: It is one of the most powerful educational platforms in the Middle East and Africa in many aspects including arts.
- Rewaq Al-Arabiya: It offers many educational courses for free, in various fields.
- Computer Academy platform: Provides Internet services to Arabic-speaking users.
- Khan Academy: It aims to spread knowledge to all, using advanced educational methods.
Other Resources
- Free e-books available on the Internet.
- Specialized academic articles from trusted official websites.
- Videos on YouTube.
- Courses available on the official websites of the international universities.
- Practical research papers published in specialized scientific websites.
How to begin?
- Define your goals. Be specific. Make sure of the outcome that you want to achieve.
- Set yourself a clear plan with a time range and try to stick to it as much as possible.
- Make sure that your personal and mental abilities are suitable for the field you want. Many tests help you to do that.
- Select the learning platform(s) that you will use.
- Set an initial budget to spend on the platform(s), hardware, and internet costs.
- Be ready and willing to motivate yourself.
- If you are a parent, help your child to determine the exact path of the required stages.
- Consult a professional if necessary.
More tips
- Use self-assessments from time to time to check on your progress.
- Learning resources should not be limited to electronic resources, but books and references are very important sources of information.
- You should find ways to put what you learn into practice.
- Manage your time smartly. You lead.
- Self-confidence. Always motivate yourself you are up to the challenge.
- Be curious. There are no limits to gaining knowledge.
- Be part of a ‘learning community’ of smart people who share your goals and interests – stay in touch with them.
Self-learning and school grades
Some parents began to think seriously about self-education for their kids. The term self-learning began to be more popular, especially with the growth of modern technology as opposed to the increase in the cost of traditional education fees.
Children began to embrace the self-learning methods that empower them with freedom and open up paths for creativity and innovation beyond traditional education.
Some reports indicate that by 2030 artificial intelligence will become a decisive factor in completely changing the idea of traditional education.
Disadvantages of self-learning
Despite all these advantages, there are also some negative aspects in self-learning systems, which require the learner to be patient, active, and resilient.
for example:
- The inability to distinguish between authentic and unreliable learning resources.
- Low self-motivation.
- Lack of discipline.
Disappointment or boredom.
It is part of the challenge, which the learner can easily overcome if determination and will are well-placed and utilized.