How I Approach Structured Learning After School and Google's New Highlight Link Feature

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Aug 04, 2023

4 min read

0

How I Approach Structured Learning After School and Google's New Highlight Link Feature

Learning is a lifelong journey that extends far beyond the confines of formal education. After completing school, many individuals find themselves in a position where they need to take charge of their own learning and continue to grow intellectually. This transition from structured learning to unstructured learning can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

The difference between structured and unstructured learning lies in intentionality. Structured learning is guided by pre-defined objectives, where the learning path is clear and focused. On the other hand, unstructured learning occurs more naturally, without explicit direction or specific goals in mind. While both approaches have their merits, it is important to find a balance between the two to ensure effective learning.

When it comes to structured learning, I like to think of it as a three-phase process: discovery, sense-making, and experimentation. The first phase, discovery, involves uncovering new ideas and topics that pique my interest. This can be done through various means, such as reading books, articles, or exploring online resources. The key is to keep an open mind and be curious about the world around us.

Once I have discovered a topic that intrigues me, I move on to the sense-making phase. This is where the real learning happens as I dive deeper into the subject matter and try to make sense of it all. To aid in this process, I create visual knowledge maps using tools like Heptabase. These maps help me organize my thoughts and connect different concepts, making it easier to grasp complex ideas.

Additionally, I make it a point to keep track of all the major sources of literature that I consume. Whether it's books, articles, or written content, I maintain a record of them on platforms like Goodreads and Glasp. This not only helps me stay organized but also serves as a reference point for future learning.

One of the challenges of transitioning from structured learning to unstructured learning is the lack of external motivation. In school, exams and the promise of getting into university or securing a job act as powerful motivators. However, once we step out of that structured environment, it can be easy to lose momentum.

To combat this, I have found that intentionally sharing my learning and progress in public spaces can be a game-changer. By doing so, I create a sense of accountability for myself. Platforms like Glasp allow me to annotate and shelve compelling pieces of written content, while also serving as a public record of my learning journey. Knowing that others can see and follow along with my progress pushes me to stay committed and continue learning.

Now, let's shift gears and talk about an exciting new feature introduced by Google in Chrome 90. This feature allows users to create links to highlighted text on a webpage. Currently available on desktop and Android devices, with iOS support coming soon, this feature simplifies the process of sharing specific sections of a website.

To use this feature, all you need to do is visit a web page, highlight the text you want to create a link to, right-click, and select "copy link to highlight." This generates a URL ending in a pound sign (), which you can then share with others. This functionality can be incredibly useful for researchers, students, or anyone looking to reference specific information within a webpage.

The introduction of this feature aligns well with the concept of structured learning. It provides a simple and convenient way to bookmark and share valuable information, making it easier to revisit and build upon your knowledge. Whether you're conducting research, collaborating with others, or simply bookmarking useful resources, this feature can enhance the learning experience.

In conclusion, the transition from structured learning to unstructured learning requires intentionality and a proactive approach. By following a three-phase process of discovery, sense-making, and experimentation, you can effectively navigate the world of self-directed learning. Additionally, leveraging platforms like Glasp and taking advantage of new features like Google's highlight link functionality can further enhance your learning journey.

As actionable advice, I would recommend the following:

  • 1. Embrace curiosity and actively seek out new ideas and topics to explore. Keep an open mind and be willing to dive deep into subjects that intrigue you.
  • 2. Create visual representations of your knowledge using tools like Heptabase. This will help you organize your thoughts, make connections between concepts, and enhance your understanding.
  • 3. Share your learning and progress in public spaces. Whether it's through platforms like Glasp or social media, the act of making your learning journey visible to others creates a sense of accountability and motivation.

By incorporating these strategies into your post-school learning routine, you can continue to grow intellectually and embrace the joys of lifelong learning.

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