The lives we settle into as adults can be overwhelming. Even relaxing in our time off can be guilt-inducing, as we feel we’re not fully taking advantage of everything life offers. One of the big areas we all tend to dwell on is education, where we feel left behind what we could accomplish with just a little more effort.

Fortunately, modern technology makes jumping back into the learning arena easier than ever. Whether you’re looking to study serious new skills to change careers or pick up esoteric ideas to satisfy personal curiosity, the wealth of human knowledge is at our fingertips. Coupled with effective teaching resources, just minutes a day can help us see significant results over time. This starts with technology, and leveraging the systems and opportunities that modern systems present.

Low Technological Barriers to Entry

As we’ve covered at StarofMysore.com before, the effect that technology can have in our lives is extremely broad. Despite the reticence we might have in some areas to be more tech-focused, however, there’s no doubting just how profound its contributions to education can be. Before we can access what’s online, we first need the right device, and this is where we need to make our first choice.

To begin here, the best opportunities to learn can start with home computers, not mobile phones. Though mobile apps will still be extremely useful later, they can’t measure up to the starting functionality of a desktop or laptop where you can more effectively study, take part in tests, and record notes. If you’ve never bought a computer before, or have forgotten where to start, don’t worry, the barriers to entry are quite low.

Before looking at the different options available, you need to consider the kind of software that you’ll be using in your learning experience, as well as what you might enjoy for personal use. For most forms of learning, educational software and related helpful tools won’t require fast systems. Web browsing and word processing are often the standard, requiring little more than 8 gigabytes of RAM, and quad-core processor, and a solid-state storage drive.

A low-end system as covered by PCMag.com would cover all these bases. The caveat you might need to worry about is if you intend to work with more computationally demanding areas like video editing. These can require faster processors and GPUs, so if you want to learn skills in code or visual design, keep this in mind.

You’ll also need to remember your uses outside of education since computers are so flexible in so many other areas like entertainment. Again, the requirements here depend on intent. Heftier programs such as Triple-A games require more from your device, and so you may need to invest in a more powerful system or make a compromise of certain performance aspects in order to run them. However, if you’re looking to play browser-based games or simpler titles via online casinos like those listed on Gambling.com, an entry-level system will again prove more than sufficient. Whether playing on casinos like Big Boost or Casino Days, signing up, or collecting bonuses like free spins and deposit matches, demands on hardware here are extremely low. The same is true for video streaming, where only big video game fans really need to concern themselves with faster systems.

Smartphones for Keeping Information Fresh

While your hard study and note-taking will be performed on your PC or Mac, your learning experience will also benefit from the inclusion of your smartphone. Sometimes you might be able to find helpful apps for the area you study, but this isn’t always the case. If you can’t find an app, then we’d recommend you transfer as many notes from your computer to your phone as you can, in a way that suits the smaller screen.

Taking this approach helps you keep your mind on your area of study on and off during the day, as what StellarLabs.io refers to as spaced repetition. This approach helps boost your memory on new topics by spreading out your study, even if you only check on notes for a minute every hour. Studies have shown this approach to be more effective than the commonly used cramming method of memorization, and it’s easy to engage with whenever you have a spare moment.

You can also use your smartphone to record audio messages of you reading through the information, asking yourself questions, pausing, and then answering those questions. This builds on the idea of spaced repetition while also including cognitive mental computing. Eventually, your brain will automatically fill in the answers to your questions without you having to think, which is a huge part of mastering any new knowledge or skill.