I am in the final weeks of studying for an upcoming certification exam. I have followed the study tips that have been shared by those who have gone before …. Read the prep books, take courses, make/use flashcards and do lots of practice questions.

This week I could feel the energy for studying leave me. All the material felt repetitive and stale.  So I did what is now second nature to many of us – I googled it! I found a treasure trove of new study resources – videos explaining specific topics in great depth, new formats for practice questions and even a skill testing app for my phone! 

As I get down to the wire I am using every moment I can to review content. My books go to Toad’s batting practice, the app is used while waiting in line at the coffee shop and the flashcards are perfect while I make dinner or help with homework.

Today, the availability of ways to learn and study – whether for personal interest or professional development is limitless. When I was Toad’s age my grandparents bought my sister and me two sets of Encyclopedia Britannica – one youth set and one adult set. Toad’s generation knows nothing but real- time information at the touch of a button. The challenge of his generation will be to media literate enough to critically evaluate the sources of the data they are using.