How to Learn Something New 'Right Now'

You may have heard that the “brain is like a muscle.” Just like other muscles, you have to exercise the brain by learning new things. Learning can be broken down into short-term and long-term learning. If you don’t necessarily want to embark on a big endeavor (such as learning to play an instrument), your brain can still benefit from learning smaller bits of information on a daily basis. Here are some ways to do that.

1. Follow Daily Infographic

No brainer right? Humans process visuals quickly: It takes less than 1/10 of a second for your brain to get a sense of a visual. Absorbing new information using infographics is a quick and easy way to learn. Visual learning not only decreases comprehension time but sticks around longer in our memories. On Daily Infographic you can spend 15 minutes per day perusing an infographic on a topic of your choice.

2. Watch Ted ED

Ted Talks are famous for bringing a huge amount of topics by innovative thinkers. Ted-Ed takes learning a step further with engaging video lessons. Topics range from “the scientific way to cut a cake” to “how money laundering works.”

3. Play GeoGuessr

Americans are notoriously bad at geography, but the rest of the world probably isn’t too much better. The game GeoGuessr takes a unique approach to learning geography.  You are shown a Google Maps photo and have to guess where it is. You might just find yourself saying things like, “Huh, I didn’t know that Afghanistan has such green forests!” It’s free to play.

4. Train Your Brain at Lumosity

Brought to you by scientists and game developers, Lumosity has a great collection of cognitive games you can play. You might not learn a concrete fact, but your brain will be challenged and grow!

5. Follow Curiosity

Curiosity is a website that inspires people to get smarter. They do it by finding the most interesting news on a variety of topics. Just click what topic you are interested in learning about and you’ll find fascinating articles and videos.

6. View Instructables

Not sure what you want to learn today? Just visit Instructables and view any one of the great DIY tutorials to learn a new skill.

7. Learn First Aid from the Red Cross App

First aid is something that everyone should know and refresh regularly. The American Red Cross has come up with a great app to help. It isn’t a substitute for an in-person course, but it does have bite-size courses on basics accompanied by videos and instructions.

8. Learn a New Language with Duolingo

Duolingo is an app that makes it easy to learn a new language thanks to its interactive method and how it breaks down lessons into small chunks. There are dozens of languages to choose from and the app is free to use!

9. Become a Better Writer with 750 Words

Writing is a fundamental cornerstone of communication and remains one of the most in-demand skills that employers look for. The app 750 Words helps you become a better writer by having you write a minimum of 750 words of the stream of conscious writing per day – a practice that is said to improve writing fluency and also help you learn about yourself in the process.

10. Learn Coding at Udacity

Udacity is one of the most popular places to learn to code for free. They have videos, quizzes, and instructions so you can earn a “Nanodegree.” The courses are made by expert programmers and big companies like Google so they are definitely relevant to today’s job market and tech trends.

11. Take Interactive Online Courses at BitDegree  

BitDegree differentiates itself through offering interactive & gamified courses, especially in the blockchain space. Universities are already embracing blockchain courses on campuses, based on growing interest from students. The cryptocurrency phenomenon is a global one, powered by bitcoin’s meteoric rise. Courses offered cover skills ranging from programming, marketing, machine learning to blockchain, and cryptocurrencies. 

12. Build Your Vocabulary

A large vocabulary is not only impressive, but it allows you to express yourself better. Remember the book 1984 and how they started cutting words from the language as a form of mind control? Well, that’s the power of vocab! The website Vocabulary.com has come up with an adaptive learning game to help you learn more words easily.

13. Master New Skills at Udemy

On Udemy, you can find over 55,000 online courses on topics ranging from web development to music training. Many basic level classes are free but there are paid courses as well.

14. Learn Digital Marketing with Primer

All small business owners and entrepreneurs need to know digital marketing techniques if they are going to stay relevant. Created by Google, Primer teaches marketing skills and delivers them indigestible 5-minute segments.

15. Take Online Courses at Coursera

Coursera is one of the best places to find free online courses in higher education on just about any topic. The courses are offered by top universities in the US, helping you to extend your education from the comforts of your own home. Certificates are available for a fee. As an alternative, Iversity.org provides development courses from experts all over Europe. Usually on very specific topics.

16. Learn Leadership Skills at MindTools

Today’s top companies aren’t just looking for skills like coding. They want people with soft skills like leadership, team management, creativity, and decision-making. MindTools has a great collection of mini-courses that teach you these skills.

17. Learn Gratitude with Mojo

Gratitude is the key to happiness in life. What a lot of people don’t realize is that gratitude actually has to be learned and worked on. The app Mojo helps you rewire your brain to be more grateful by encouraging you to write at least five good things per day, rate the day, and add photos.

18. Trailhead | The fun way to learn - Salesforce

Trailhead powered by Salesforce Is the Fun Way to Learn Prove your skills and earn globally-recognized credentials that lead to top jobs. Connect to Opportunities. Join their Trailblazer Community for mentorship along the way and help to find jobs as well.