How to become a lifelong learner on a budget

Are you looking for inexpensive ways to continue your education? Would you like to learn a new skill on your time, and at your own pace? Find free or low-cost ways to boost your brain power, learn something new, and foster a lifelong love of learning.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• An internet connection
• A library card
• A love for learning

1. Start Small -- Becoming a lifelong learner does not have to involve huge tasks, even learning how to brush your teeth with the opposite hand can help produce new synapses in the brain. Learn to eat with chopsticks, find a new route to get to work, or learn to draw with the opposite hand. The little things can add up to big brain power.
2. Learn another language -- This is one of the best ways to keep your brain fit. You can start by going to the BBC Languages website and learn Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, Greek, and many other languages at your own pace. The website features video and audio clips, making it one of the best resources for language development, and it's free.
3. Home Depot Workshops and Lowes Clinics -- Sign up for one of their free workshops and learn how to install a deck, paint the exterior of a house, or many other common home improvement projects. You will learn something, and could potentially increase the value of your home at the same time. Workshop registration can be done online.
4. iTunes University or MIT OpenCourseWare -- MIT OpenCourseWare offers entire college courses which can be downloaded for free, including the course syllabus, lecture notes, videos, and audio clips. Learn at your own pace, and on your time schedule. iTunes University features a large collection of lectures in audio and video format from several colleges and universities. All can be downloaded and played on your computer, or transfered to your MP3 player for free.
5. Jo-Ann Fabrics, Michael's, AC Moore -- All of these stores offer low-cost or free workshops and classes. Check with a local store near you, and learn how to knit, sew, crochet, or paint.
6. Township Adult Continuing Education or Community Colleges-- These low-cost courses can be a great introduction to things you wish you had learned in school. Cooking, basket-weaving, tap dancing, or yoga can all be learned here. Check with your local township or community college.
7. PBS/NPR -- Stay up-to-date on the latest current events, and widen your consciousness. PBS and NPR have something that will interest just about anyone and it's free.
8. Dive In -- If there is a particular topic that interests you, find out everything you can about it by visiting your local library and take advantage of books, audio books, DVDs and magazines. Join the book club. Some libraries even offer free courses/workshops. Check your local libraries calendar of events for more information.

Tips & Warnings

• Share your interests and progress with others. Your love of learning will become contagious!
• Don't get frustrated. Learning new skills takes time and patience. Allow yourself to make mistakes in the beginning, since it is part of the process of learning.