Learning something new in the tech world is like opening a mysterious Blackbox. You’re faced with complex terms and ideas that need unravelling. My approach, what I call it “The Blackbox Method,” (is a metaphor for the process of diving into complex topics and gradually understanding them, similar to opening a black box to uncover its contents) simplifies this process. It is a systematic process of learning new concepts, diving into the unknown, dissecting every jargon, tracking and documenting the process and researching until I get a clear picture.
First Step: Anchor Point
They say every journey starts with a solid foundation. For me, that foundation often comes from a course, book, or online material. Nowadays, there are lots of official, unofficial free and paid resources are available on the internet. I usually find a good, appropriate material which is most updated and resourceful, within a few hours of moderate googling. Once I know that one particular book/course/pdf/etc is good to start with, I use that as my anchor point. I skim through at first to know and understand the jargons and terminology. Then I dive into the basics, taking notes as I go. This anchor point sets the stage for my learning adventure.
The Search for Clarity: Diving Deeper
As with any exploration, there are inevitable moments of confusion and uncertainty. When I face with something that I don’t understand, I turn to the internet or other material. Google searches always lead me to clear explanations and helpful resources, like official documentation and guides. And there are plenty of Samaritans out there who either documented their solutions already or ready to help if anyone asks for a solution of a problem. That’s what I love about internet.
Despite the vastness of the internet often feeling like a dense, intimidating jungle, it serves as a remarkable platform for collective learning and problem-solving. Within this digital universe, people from all corners of the globe come together to share their knowledge, insights, and experiences. Through forums, communities, and other platforms, people collaborate to tackle challenges, find solutions, and learn new concepts. This collective effort stimulates a sense of camaraderie and empowerment. As individuals contribute their unique perspectives and expertise, our pool of collective knowledge expands, creating a rich fabric of information accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This collaborative learning not only accelerates the pace of discovery and innovation but also plays a vital role in shaping the future of our society.
Anyway, apologies for my tangent now let’s move on..
Harnessing the Power of AI: as a Learning Companion
In today’s world, artificial intelligence is a powerful tool for learning. Chat GPT, for example, has been a fantastic companion on my learning journey. It helps me understand complex concepts in simple terms, guiding me through the maze of technical jargon. I highly recommend everyone to use it’s power (or any other AI tool of your choice) to learn or understand a new concept. I know people are mesmerised by how AI is producing recipe of a delicious Scottish shortbread or helps writing a robotic poem, but it has much more broader potential than that!
The Blackbox Unveiled: Documenting Every Discovery
A crucial part of my learning process is documenting everything I learn. I break down complex terms and ideas into simple language, creating a reference guide for myself and others. Especially when I am building a new software, so I can go back to the source and read how I did it whenever it’s necessary. Also, this documentation serves as a roadmap for my learning journey.
Practice Makes Proficient: Cementing Knowledge Through Application
Theory is only one part of the equation. To truly master a concept, one have to put it into practice. I make sure to apply what I’ve learned in real-world scenarios, whether it’s setting up a virtual server, writing business logics or troubleshooting a problem.
Follow up: The Continuous Journey of Learning
In the realm of technology, learning is not a destination but a perpetual journey. My experience with the Blackbox Method has been my trusted companion on this journey, helping me to understand complex concepts one step at a time with leveraging diverse resources. As we know, techno verse is ever-evolving, so it is imperative to keep in touch with new ideas and regularly follow up on it. It is also important to be ever curious and open to learn new stuff.
Happy learning 🙂
