Everyone accepts the rapid change in every fields in the world. Additionally, as the things are changing, characteristics of the life is also changing. I think, one of the more challenging one is "speed".
To be able to catch up with the post modern life, self-learning should also speed up. I spent 17 years in traditional in-class educational system. I learned so many things but I could learn them in less time. Probably 10 years whould be enough. 7 additional years in my life, how amazing... After I have noticed that I became addicted to "quick self-learning" and my favorite motto became "time is an asset that cannot be retrieved again". The other one is "quality in everything we do". My managers think that I am in a hurry to learn but the world is supporting me with vast of sources. Then why not to learn! ;)
The Internet is the most flexible, accessible and comprehensive college for everyone. You can choose your topic, you can arrange your schedule and be sure that you will find your class notes or videos. I still belive that learning some topics is more efficient in in-class training, but the ones that are related to improving skills like dance, sports, photography, soft business skills...etc. On the other hand, if you have, you should never miss the chance of "learning by living", like travelling or communicating/discussing with others. The best and the most enjoyful way of learning!
If you need to learn a topic to do your business (like learning a methodology, a tool, a programing language) then do not feel stressed! Go to your "free" college.
There are websites which provide online courses where you can listen your lecturer, discuss with your peers, do exercises to improve yourself. And even you can take exam to get certificate. I do not have enough time to follow exams because my aim is just learning.
COURSERA, my favorite. You can find courses on various subjects both technical, cultural, arts, history ...etc. given by lecturers of the best universities in the world. Courses are structured based on weekly short video lectures and also supported by reading materials and exercises.
UDEMY, the other one which seems like real college courses which are longer but it also includes practical courses.
UNIVERSITY ONLINE COURSES, many university is providing the videos of their lectures or preparing specific lectures on specific topics. (eg Standford University )
FORUMS, subject matter forums will help you a lot after you have basic level of knowledge.
BLOGS, there are people around waiting for you to share their knowledge!
TOOL DOCUMENTATIONS, if you want to learn about a tool or system, their own documentation is the best start point. (eg. IBM RedBooks)
How to start learning? If you know what you want to learn, sources like above will help you. If you do not have any idea what the topic is about, then do not hesitate to start with writing "what is ...?" to your browser. Probably this question will take you to Wikipedia. Then you will have a general idea and get correct key words to search which will lead you better and trustable sources. If you are learning a tool or sytem the secret question is "how to ....?". This question will take you subject matter forums and you will probably find someobe who asked the same question and get answer. If not, why do not you ask?
If you want to learn something and trust yourself that you can do that, there are vast of sources waiting for you outside.
Live the pleasure of self-learning ;)
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