Hallam University Taught Me New Things Plus Also How to Learn Even More
Now that I've finished my university journey, I’ve been reflecting on how much I’ve grown, not just in terms of knowledge, but in the very process of learning itself. University has opened my eyes to entire worlds of technology I never imagined exploring, from databases to Artificial Intelligence (AI), and from the Internet of Things (IoT) to programming. But what stands out most to me is how university has taught me not just new things, but also how to learn new things, even on my own.
The New Things I’ve Learned
When I first walked into university, I had a basic understanding of technology and programming. But the subjects I’ve encountered throughout my studies have completely transformed my perspective on what is possible. Here are just a few of the most exciting things I’ve learned:
1. Databases
Learning about databases has shown me how the power of data is structured, stored, and retrieved. I never truly understood how much goes on behind the scenes when I interact with digital applications. From relational databases like SQL to the NoSQL systems that are driving modern applications, I now have a much deeper appreciation for how information is managed. Whether it’s managing users in a web app or organizing massive datasets, databases are the backbone of almost every modern system.
2. Web Technologies
Web development was another area that I didn’t have much exposure to before university. Through HTML, CSS and JavaScript, I’ve been able to build websites and web applications with Django that work seamlessly across different devices. The ability to create user-friendly, responsive web applications has been a game changer in my career aspirations.
3. Python
Python, with its versatility and simplicity, has become my go-to language. Whether it's for writing simple scripts or tackling complex problems like machine learning, Python has been the perfect tool to explore everything from data analysis to automation. I’ve used Python to build projects ranging from basic automation tasks to analysing large datasets, and the more I learn, the more I realize how powerful it is.
4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
One of the most mind-blowing fields I’ve been introduced to is AI. I started with the basics—supervised and unsupervised learning—and have worked my way into more advanced topics like neural networks and natural language processing (NLP). AI is no longer just a futuristic concept; it’s something that’s increasingly influencing every industry, and learning how to work with it has opened a whole new world of possibilities.
5. Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT technology has given me hands-on experience with connecting the digital world to the physical world. Whether it’s designing smart devices, monitoring real-time data from sensors, or creating home automation systems, IoT has broadened my understanding of how interconnected everything is today. I now understand how simple devices can communicate with each other and work together to create seamless experiences.
6. Programming
Of course, the foundation of all these technologies is programming. From the basics of algorithms and data structures to more advanced concepts like object-oriented programming (OOP) and multithreading, I’ve become fluent in the languages that power the tech world. Programming isn’t just about writing code—it’s about problem-solving, thinking critically, and learning to break down complex challenges into smaller, manageable steps.
How University Taught Me How to Learn
Beyond the specific technical skills, university has been an invaluable experience in teaching me how to learn. The digital landscape is evolving at a lightning pace, and what I’ve learned in the classroom today may be outdated tomorrow. This means that it’s not enough to just memorize facts or follow along with instructions; I need to develop the ability to keep learning on my own. Here are some of the key lessons on how to learn that I’ve picked up:
1. The Power of Curiosity
Throughout my time in university, I’ve learned that curiosity is the key to learning anything new. Whether it’s diving into a subject I’m unfamiliar with or exploring a complex topic like AI, asking questions and seeking answers has been one of the most powerful tools in my learning journey. I’ve found that curiosity drives me to go beyond just passing assignments and exams, it motivates me to explore new areas on my own.
2. Self-Directed Learning
University is structured to guide us, but there is always an element of independence. I’ve learned to seek out resources on my own, whether it’s reading documentation, watching tutorials, or participating in online communities. This self-directed learning has been particularly useful when I encounter topics not covered in class. One great example is when I decided to learn web scraping. it's a technique that allows you to extract data from websites. This wasn’t something on the curriculum, but my curiosity led me to research it in my own time, and I ended up creating a project that helped me automate data collection from various sites.
3. Practical Experimentation
Another thing university taught me is that theory and practice must go hand in hand. Reading textbooks and learning theory is important, but the real knowledge comes from applying what you’ve learned. I’ve worked on countless projects that forced me to learn on the fly, troubleshoot issues, and improve my skills through trial and error. One memorable example of this was experimenting with CircuitPython to build small electronics projects. The hands-on experience of working with hardware and software simultaneously deepened my understanding in ways that lectures alone could not.
4. Persistence Through Challenges
Learning something new isn’t always easy. Whether it’s debugging a line of code that seems impossible to fix or understanding a complex concept, university has taught me that persistence is key. In these moments, I’ve learned that the challenge is often not in the material itself but in my approach to it. Learning to break down problems, ask for help when needed, and not give up when things get tough has made me a more resilient learner.
5. Collaborating with Others
Finally, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of collaboration. Whether working in teams on coding projects or discussing theory in study groups, university has shown me that learning doesn’t happen in isolation. Sharing knowledge, seeking different perspectives, and learning from others’ experiences have all played a crucial role in my growth.
Conclusion
As I prepare to leave university, I realize that the most valuable thing it’s given me isn’t just the technical skills or knowledge, but the ability to continue learning, adapt to new challenges, and stay curious. The tools I’ve gained like mastering databases, diving into AI, or experimenting with IoT devices are just the beginning. With the ability to learn, I feel confident that I can continue exploring new fields, solving new problems, and embracing the ever-evolving world of technology.
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