Learning Resolution: 12 courses in 12 months!
Tags: beginners, courses, learning, psychology
Published: 2021-02-07 22:49:18

---
title: "Learning Resolution: 12 courses in 12 months!"
published: true
description: Continuing my series of "essays in learning" -- with a review of a course I'm taking that explores the science, literature, and techniques behind how learners tackle tough subjects.
series: "Personal Essays on Tech & Community"
tags: beginners, courses, learning, psychology
cover_image: https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/i/bg4qd3h0pgmdub17ao48.png
---

# 2021 Learning Resolutions

Like millions of people, I use the start of every year to plan my activities for the year. And every year, I try to think about three things: _skills_ (things I can learn), _projects_ (things I can create) and _behaviors_ (things I can change) over the next 12 months.

This year, I decided to try something different. I took advantage of a great discount on [Coursera Plus](https://www.coursera.org/courseraplus) to sign up for a full year's access to 3000+ courses and specializations, many offering certifications. I had taken courses there before and found the instructors, topics and pacing perfect for my interests and schedule.

{% twitter 1246805303875829760 %}

I decided that I would focus not just on technology topics (e.g., software development) but tech-adjacent skills (e.g., creativity, psychology etc.). We tend to be more accountable to learning goals on paid courses than on free ones. So I set a goal for myself: *complete 12 courses in 12 months, and earn [certifications](https://coursera.org/share/aa7f1fed7a030f2b93adb1bd5a01f322)*.

I'll keep this blog series updated on my progress!! 😍

---

## Jan 2021: Fundamentals Of Graphic Design

I signed up for the "Fundamentals Of Graphic Design" course kicking off the [_Graphic Design Specialization_](https://www.coursera.org/specializations/graphic-design) offered by CalArts. This [student's review](https://www.lessonsindesign.com/coursera-fundamentals-of-graphic-design) provides a good recap of what is involved. 

### Motivation

My personal goal was to improve my visual storytelling skills. I've been a visual note-taker (_sketchnoter_) for years, and had just launched #VisualizeIT - an online series of workshops from various creative technologists, teaching skills ranging from journaling and tech doodling, to using Procreate and problem-solving in teams. 

{% link https://dev.to/azure/visualizeit-a-free-online-series-of-workshops-to-build-your-visual-storytelling-skills-d2b %}

### Progress 

I initially signed up for the course in December, but reset deadlines to start in January instead, committing time over weekends (and late evenings) towards course study. By mid-January, I completed the required projects for the course (like the one below) and [earned my first certificate](https://coursera.org/share/aa7f1fed7a030f2b93adb1bd5a01f322) - one down, eleven to go!

{% twitter 1346832345593221121 %}

### Learnings

The most important takeaway for me is how critical visual techniques can be, in _capturing_ users' attention and _communicating_ desired messages with multiple cues that extend beyond actual words. Techniques involving _image making_, _typography_, _shapes_, _colors_ and composition, help engage viewers and direct their attention in ways that build connection and improve retention. This makes them increasingly important for _teaching_ new concepts to diverse audiences in ways that are inclusive and informative, while also being expressive of the creator's perspectives on the topic.

I loved this course and absolutely intend to sign up for the next topic (["Introduction To Typography"](https://www.coursera.org/learn/typography?specialization=graphic-design)) in that series this year.

## Feb 2021: Learning How to Learn

My next adventure helps me with the same goal (_"How can I communicate things better"_) but approaches it from a different perspective (_"How do people learn?"_). In particular, it looks at the brain science and behavioral psychology behind how individuals learn, and explores techniques that can help us be more effective at learning new ideas despite the many distractions we face today.

The course is called "[Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects](https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn/home/info)". It is taught by [Prof. Barbara Oakley](https://www.coursera.org/instructor/barboakley) (whose research focuses on the relationship between neuroscience and social behavior) and [Dr. Terrence Sejnowski](https://www.coursera.org/instructor/terry) ( a pioneer in computational neuroscience).

In just the first week, I've already learned about _Focused and Diffused Modes_ of learning, got an _Introduction To Cognitive Memory_, understood _The Importance of Sleep to Learning_ and learnt a successful technique to combat _Procrastination_ (hint: Pomodoro!).

I hope to write a longer detailed post on my learnings at the end of February. For now, here's my first sketchnote from this week to serve as a teaser. Look out for the next post, to see the entire series.

![Sketchnote capturing notes on learning modes](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/i/o19zfxhob20kzui8mejq.jpg)

> What's your learning resolution for 2021? And if you take either of the courses above, or just want to discuss related topics, leave me a [comment below](#comments)