How I Approach Structured Learning After School: Curating Knowledge in a Web 3.0 World

How I Approach Structured Learning After School: Curating Knowledge in a Web 3.0 World

Structured learning is different from unstructured learning. The key distinction lies in intentionality. In high school, we have clear paths laid out for us - be it higher education, a gap year, or an apprenticeship. However, once we step into the real world, structured learning becomes more challenging. So, how do we navigate this new terrain?

I believe that structured learning can be broken down into three phases: discovery, sense-making, and experimentation. The first phase involves actively exploring the world around us, keeping our eyes wide open. Whether it's through work, hobbies, or consuming media and literature, we gather a backlog of topic areas that pique our interest. Each of these areas is tied to an objective - a potential value we can gain by investing time in learning about the topic.

The next phase is sense-making. This is the moment when we choose a topic from our discovery list and decide to dive deeper into it. As a result, we create artifacts that reflect our understanding and insights. These artifacts can take various forms - tweets, threads on Twitter, articles, or visuals on a blog. By sharing our thoughts and knowledge publicly, we replace institutional oversight with the accountability of the internet. Others can benefit from our breadcrumbs long after we move on from a particular topic.

To ensure that our learning journey is fruitful, it's crucial to be thoughtful and document as much as possible. We can use tools like Glasp to annotate and organize the literature we come across. By doing so, we create a trail of knowledge that not only benefits us but also others who stumble upon it. The public record of the internet serves as a strong incentive for us to curate knowledge and contribute to the collective learning ecosystem.

But why do we need curators in the first place? The answer lies in the evolution of the web. Web 1.0 was static and read-only, while Web 2.0 brought about social interactions and interoperability. With democratized access, the web became saturated with information, leaving us overwhelmed and in need of guidance. We started spending more time trying to sort through the noise, looking for trusted sources of information.

Influence has become a prominent aspect of the online world. However, it's essential to recognize that influence doesn't necessarily equate to taste. There's a difference between following someone for entertainment and following someone for making informed decisions. As we transition into the era of Web 3.0, where the focus is on community and collaboration, curation takes center stage.

Web 3.0 prioritizes fidelity over convenience. We crave curated content that helps us separate the signal from the noise. In an oversaturated world, curators play a crucial role in guiding us towards valuable experiences and knowledge. They act as the compass, directing us to where we should go. Culture now trickles up, and curators are the driving force behind it all.

So, how can we make the most of structured learning in a web 3.0 world? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace discovery: Keep your eyes wide open and actively seek out new ideas. Whether it's through work, hobbies, or consuming media, be curious and generate a backlog of intriguing topics.

2. Be a thoughtful curator: Document your learning journey and share your insights publicly. Use tools like Glasp to annotate and organize the literature you come across. Leave breadcrumbs for others to follow and benefit from.

3. Seek out trusted curators: In a world saturated with information, find individuals or platforms that curate content in your areas of interest. Follow them and rely on their guidance to navigate through the noise.

In conclusion, structured learning after school can be challenging, but it's not impossible. By embracing discovery, becoming thoughtful curators, and relying on trusted curators ourselves, we can thrive in a web 3.0 world. Let's curate knowledge, contribute to the collective learning ecosystem, and make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.