How To Learn on Udemy Without Wasting Your Time
Act like you're watching Netflix and you'll end up learning nothing
Have you ever watched several videos in a row understanding everything only to realize a couple of days later that you are incapable of remembering anything you just learned?
We've all been through this. Well, the cruel truth is that you've just wasted your time.
When you're learning something hard like coding by watching videos, you should not behave like you're watching Netflix.
This means you should never rest on your laurels and always be "active" in your learning. But what does that even mean?
Do not believe the advertised course length
You just found a course on Node.js lasting 40 hours that seems just perfect for you? Do not expect to see the end in a week.
But I study full time! I can do it.
You won't. Believe me, even if you're spending the whole day on it, my advice is still valid. If you do this, you'll not remember a thing. I promise you.
In order to learn how to code, you'll need to code. No other way around. Writing code will not happen magically after you watched 100 or 1000 videos.
It will happen after opening VS Code and actually typing on your keyboard. It this takes time.
This means you should write code from the very beginning of your learning journey. Get to your code editor from the first video you watch.
- Watch the beginning of the video
- Pause the video right at the first introduced concept, even if it's not hard to grasp
- Write code and make sure it all works as intended
If it does not work as intended, mindfully accept taht you will have to spend some more time on it. Do NOT rush into the rest of the video. Go and look for other resources explaining this obscure concept. Then try again.
When you get to the end of a video, delete everything you wrote and start over without watching. This technique seems brutal at first, but it really makes a difference.
Could you do it? If not, identify the node and watch the corresponding part of the video again. Go and find written resources. Reach out the documentation.
Acknowledge that those $12 you spent won't make you a better coder alone.
Make use of the website's best features
Do not believe watching short YouTube tutorials and following a course Udemy are the same. They are not.
Udemy features a wonderful features that has helped me tremendously on my learning journey: the Notes tab.
I realised most people on the platform didn't use this. It's a shame because it's so effective, and yet so underrated.
On Udemy, you can add as many notes as you want. Just click on the "Notes" tab below any video, and you'll get a nice little text area with all the formatting tools you need (of course you got the code formatting one).
As you keep on with your learning, you'll be able to get back to your notes. The best part of it: clicking on them will take you to the corresponding part of the video.
This is a game changer as far as learning is concerned.
One downside is that there is no built-in function in order to export all your notes. This would allow us to use them in a learning software or to print them out.
Moreover, what's often advised is to use the comment section. Depending on the instructor, you'll get them or other tutors help you.
However, I don't like to use this as I've noticed the teacher isn't always reactive. Most of the time, it takes way too long to get an answer and you end up being stuck on your learning.
What I prefer by far is go and find help elsewhere. I simply reach to another good resource like javascript.info or Stack Overflow and move forward.
Which brings me to the next point.
Don't just hold on to Udemy
While following a course, remember to leave Udemy (and your code editor). Go out there and make searches on Stack Overflow. Google everything you feel you're not quite comfortable with. Get to your favourite Discord group and ask questions.
Reading the same concept explained in a different way, or watching another video that breaks down the same ideas, will make you understand better and remember more.
Enrolling in a particular course doesn't mean you should be faithful to your teacher till the end of it. Actually, it will be very beneficial to you not to.
Embrace independence in your learning journey. Be an active learner. Choose your resources wisely and jump from one to another when it's necessary, while keeping your learning journey organised.
This will definitely make you a better learner.
Don't stress out if you don't "finish it off"
Just like when you read a book, don't beat yourself up and force you till the end. If you've made it to 80% and you feel you gain enough knowledge to practise confidently, then let it go.
No one will yell at you for not finishing your course. You're the only one that knows if a resource is still good for you.
Of course, don't do that just because it needs effort. Coding is hard. Learning it is an uphill struggle. But everyone can do it, and the internet is full of living proof (I recommend NoCSDegree.com for some inspiration).
There are a million ways to make it enjoyable. So don't force yourself, keep it fun, and move forward.
Don't make that mistake
I plan on publishing many similar articles on Hashnode in the future. If you liked this article, consider ✅ following this blog (back to the top right corner) so you don't miss any!
It really gives me superpowers and makes me want to write even more.
Also check out 🐦 my Twitter, where I write daily on web development and how to become a better learner.