There is no reason not to learn

It has never been easier to learn new things as it is nowadays. The new information technology doesn’t only give us tremendous amount of knowledge, but also a phenomenal opportunity to cooperate. I am myself attending my third MOOC (External link) where I can discuss course content with thousands of other students. Of course I do not try to discuss the issue with all students, but I’m involved in some of the study groups where we together try to understand the content of the course.

So, if I would be a student in a university to day and attend a course, the first thing I would do is to create an online study group together with some friends. Of course we could meet “live” also, but in an online group you can always keep track of the discussions. In an online group you can share articles, pictures, links, videos etc. and even cooperate while creating your own document.

Another good thing with an online study group, is that you can reach it with your smartphone for example when you are sitting in the bus. You’re not dependent on any specific place or time.

If you want to go one step further, you can always record the professor’s lecture and share it with your group. Of course you first need to ask your professor if you’re allowed to do that. If you’re allowed to do that you can record on your smartphone and then upload it to your study group. Then you can listen (or watch) the recorded materials as many time as you want.

“When students are engaged and motivated and feel minimal stress, information flows freely through the affective filter in the amygdala and they achieve higher levels of cognition, make connections, and experience “aha” moments. Such learning comes not from quiet classrooms and directed lectures, but from classrooms with an atmosphere of exuberant discovery (Kohn, 2004).” (The Neuroscience of Joyful Education (External link), Judy Wilis)

So, what are you waiting for?