Learning More

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Learning new things might seem really hard, like you need to be a super genius, but it’s actually easier than you think! While you won't learn something like rocket science in one day, with practice, you can get really good at almost anything. Here are two important things to know before you start learning something new:

Practice Makes Perfect

If you don’t practice, you won’t get good at a skill. Your brain will forget it if you don't use it. For example, no one learns how to tie a tie just by watching a video. You learn by trying to tie a tie while watching the video. The same goes for any other skill—practice helps your brain remember!

A Little Learning Goes a Long Way

Even learning just a little bit can help you get better quickly. This is called the "learning curve." You don’t have to be perfect at a skill to see big improvements. Just spending a little time on something can make a huge difference.

Finding the Right Information

You might think you need to go to college or buy lots of books to learn something new, but it’s actually much easier than that! The internet has tons of free resources, apps, and courses that can help you learn almost anything. You don’t need to spend money—just start exploring online, and you can learn at your own pace.

Questioning What You Learn

It's important not to believe everything you read or watch. Just because something is popular or seems like it’s from a smart person doesn’t mean it’s true. Always ask questions like, "Who wrote this?" or "Why did they say that?" This helps you understand better and stops you from believing wrong information. True learning comes from looking at different ideas and thinking carefully about what you learn.

To make sure information is true:

  • Check if the source is reliable: Look for information from schools, government websites, news outlets, or experts.
  • Check the author’s qualifications: See if the person knows a lot about the topic.
  • Look for recent information: Newer information is often more accurate.
  • Compare with other sources: Make sure other good sources say the same thing.
  • Watch out for tricky words: Be careful if something sounds exaggerated or too persuasive.
  • Use fact-checking websites: These sites help you see if what you read is true.

YouTube

YouTube is a great place to learn! It has tons of videos on almost every topic, and it’s free! You can find videos that match how you like to learn, whether it’s a quick video or a detailed tutorial. For example, if you search for "internet safety videos," you'll find lots of helpful information. YouTube makes learning fun and easy!

Online Courses

  1. Coursera - Offers courses like "Internet History, Technology, and Security" by the University of Michigan.
  2. EdX - Provides courses such as "Cybersecurity Fundamentals" by Rochester Institute of Technology.
  3. Udemy - Various courses on internet safety and cybersecurity basics.

Websites

  1. StaySafeOnline.org - Provides resources from the National Cyber Security Alliance on how to stay safe online.
  2. GetSafeOnline.org - Offers practical advice on how to protect yourself, your computer, and mobile devices from internet threats.
  3. internetsafety101.org - Offers practical advice and things to be wary of on the internet for your children and yourself.
  4. https://www.nypl.org/help/about-nypl/legal-notices/internet-safety-tips - Provides simple to understand guide for teens and children on how to safe browsing
  5. https://www.security.org - Provides reviews and advice on the top recommended security products and services for both the internet and real world.

Books

  1. "The Art of Invisibility" by Kevin Mitnick - A guide on how to stay anonymous online.
  2. "Cybersecurity for Beginners" by Raef Meeuwisse - A straightforward introduction to staying safe online.
  3. "Hacking: The Art of Exploitation" by Jon Erickson - While more advanced, it provides a deep dive into understanding internet vulnerabilities.

Organizations and Forums

  1. National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) - Offers various resources and campaigns to promote cybersecurity awareness.
  2. Krebs on Security - A blog by cybersecurity expert Brian Krebs with up-to-date information on internet safety.
  3. Reddit (r/netsec, r/privacy) - Subreddits where you can find discussions, tips, and the latest news on internet safety.