Question
YouTube is “a first place to go” for fundamental or deeper education about the technical stuff one might be trying to do or learn. One of the challenges with YouTube is knowing “what to search for”, because “as with all things Google”, there is a MOUNTAIN of information. How would you suggest to approach YouTube and identify the content that addresses a specific content? How would one best approach the filtering of the massive amounts of information and learning that YouTube provides?
Answer
YouTube is indeed an excellent resource for learning technical skills, but navigating the vast amount of content can be daunting. Here's a structured approach to make the most of it:
1. Start with a Clear Goal
* Define your objective: What exactly are you trying to learn or solve? For example, instead of “learn Excel,” think “how to use pivot tables in Excel.”
* Break down your topic into smaller questions or tasks.
2. Craft Specific Search Queries
* Use precise keywords: Instead of searching “photo editing,” try “how to remove background in Photoshop.”
* Include phrases like “beginner,” “tutorial,” or “step-by-step” to find content tailored to your skill level.
* If you're troubleshooting, include error codes or exact terms from your problem.
3. Use Advanced Search Techniques
* Add filters to your search results:
* Upload date: To ensure you're getting up-to-date content.
* Duration: To find concise videos (under 10 minutes) or in-depth tutorials (over 20 minutes).
* Try exact match by using quotes: “install Python on Mac”.
* Use Boolean operators: Include “+” or “-” to refine your search (e.g., “install Python +Mac -Windows”).
4. Evaluate the Content
* Check the creator’s credibility:
* Look at the channel's subscriber count, views, and the creator's background.
* Favor creators who specialize in your topic (e.g., Linus Tech Tips for tech).
* Look at engagement metrics:
* High likes and positive comments often indicate helpful content.
* Watch out for clickbait titles and thumbnails.
* Skim through comments for insights on whether the video resolved the issue for others.
5. Leverage Playlists and Channels
* Search for playlists: These often offer a structured, sequential approach to learning.
* Subscribe to quality channels in your area of interest to discover related content.
6. Supplement with External Resources
* Use YouTube alongside written guides or forums (e.g., Stack Overflow, Reddit).
* Cross-reference information to ensure accuracy.
7. Use Bookmarks and Notes
* Bookmark videos or create playlists for future reference.
* Take notes while watching, especially for multi-step processes.
8. Leverage YouTube’s Features
* Use the speed control to adjust playback for dense material.
* Enable closed captions to follow along better or for clarity.
* Pause and rewind frequently to absorb complex information.
By combining these approaches, you can turn YouTube's overwhelming volume of content into a curated, powerful tool for learning and problem-solving.
Discussion