General Discussion

Ms. Toad

(38,541 posts)

25. I have used the internet for decades

Tue Jun 28, 2016, 05:48 PM

Jun 2016

for quick education on a variety of topics.

* To my daughter's rare disease (35,000 in the US; I got the diagnosis before her doctor did)
* To evaluate two treatment options for a condition I have (and to point out to the doctor what was wrong - and why - before he acknowledged his treatment partially failed
* To learn enough C+ to call engineers on their fibs when they were trying ignore a patent infringement claim
* To investigate a variety of individuals connected with ongoing legal cases (opposing parties, opposing counsel, and judges)
* To write and edit copy on a wide range of topics
* To repair electronic devices so I don't have to spend an arm and a leg to buy a new one (including swapping out hard drives, replacing inverters, screens, LED panels, etc.)
* To understand a new scientific field well enough to rule out prior patent art
* Pretty much anything else I want to learn about

The internet is one of the best tools for self-education available, for both quick and slow. You do have to be an informed consumer who knows how to sort reliable sources/information from total garbage - but the same is true for books or any other resource for education.

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How confident are you can, quickly, learn enough about a topic ... [View all] 1StrongBlackMan Jun 2016 OP

Trying to make sense of this question..... Sivart Jun 2016 #1

Good luck melman Jun 2016 #29

Depends on how easy the topic is. If it's game of thrones trivia La Lioness Priyanka Jun 2016 #2

Why hasn't Lyanna Mormont been given her own series yet? Nevernose Jun 2016 #11

1-2 weeks alc Jun 2016 #3

Self education from the internet???? LMAO! leftofcool Jun 2016 #4

I think the internet is a valuable learning tool. joshcryer Jun 2016 #5

I disagree with the second part. The internet CAN be a great tool for quick self-education. DanTex Jun 2016 #6

I agree underpants Jun 2016 #14

+1 treestar Jun 2016 #7

Yes, Sir ... 1StrongBlackMan Jun 2016 #8

Depends on the topic. Quantum mechanics, no. Nitram Jun 2016 #9

As someone who has to write authoritatively on a variety of subjects on short notice, Brickbat Jun 2016 #10

The internet is actually a fine tool whatthehey Jun 2016 #12

I can't learn though traditional methods of teaching, as in a formal education setting. It's underahedgerow Jun 2016 #13

Frame of reference and experiance helps learning. Of course, casual use of the internet... haele Jun 2016 #15

This message was self-deleted by its author Iggo Jun 2016 #16

Au contraire... ljm2002 Jun 2016 #17

To say 'the internet' is not a good tool for learning is like saying books are no good because Bluenorthwest Jun 2016 #18

+1 leftstreet Jun 2016 #24

Thank you! Raster Jun 2016 #26

Yep, a lot of people do that. Rex Jun 2016 #19

I know ... 1StrongBlackMan Jun 2016 #20

That is a good point, I see it as were some are getting layman's level information Rex Jun 2016 #21

You're right ... Nothing wrong with getting/having a layman's level understanding ... 1StrongBlackMan Jun 2016 #22

Yeah it does seem like that is how a lot of conversations end. Rex Jun 2016 #23

I have used the internet for decades Ms. Toad Jun 2016 #25

I am confident in my ability to research and learn, and I disagree that the internet petronius Jun 2016 #27

The internet can't be beat... Blanks Jun 2016 #28

The Internet is a good tool for self education jberryhill Jun 2016 #30

Without some knowledge of a subject, it is impossible to know Agnosticsherbet Jun 2016 #31

This ... 1StrongBlackMan Jun 2016 #32

I still completely disagree...... Sivart Jun 2016 #33

Actually, we are agreeing ... 1StrongBlackMan Jun 2016 #34

Your original point was about the internet....not about people..... Sivart Jun 2016 #35

I thought my original point ... 1StrongBlackMan Jun 2016 #36