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Not Your Average Classroom: Instructables and School of Everything

From Flickr user foundphotoslj
I’m a lousy cook. I can’t make simple things like scrambled eggs and rice, and I’ve even been known to burn water (I frequently forget about the pan on the stove). Cooking is just one of those skills my family didn't pass down to me. But I want to learn. Really.

I’ve recently found out about two websites where I can go to solve this problem of mine: School of Everything and Instructables. School of Everything is a UK-based site that gathers all of those Craigslist postings, bulletin board ads and flyers for teachers in one digital place. Here, you can connect both online and in person with passionate teachers in your local area, so that learning is a personal and meaningful choice. With topics ranging from circus clowning to salsa dancing to web design, there’s something for everyone. For all you Scrabble fanatics out there, you can even learn how to become a better player. Currently, a majority of teachers are British locals as the site is only a couple of years old. But don’t worry – it’s still growing.

Instructables, on the other hand, is based around the same concept minus the face-to-face aspect. Dubbing itself “the world's biggest show and tell,” Instructables hosts submissions are from all over the globe. Categories range from arts to technology, and there’s a seemingly endless wealth of knowledge to choose from. With the guidance of step-by-step photos or videos, you can learn how to make such things as homemade travel games, prescription swimming goggles, cardboard chairs, and a DIY USB hardrive. Or find out how to effectively host a park clean-up in San Francisco. Now I know where to go when I finally muster up the energy to make my own Taiwanese bubble tea.

If you’re of the belief that learning doesn’t always have to take place in a standard classroom, take a listen to our podcast about Learn-a-Palooza DC. Follow Idealist staff member Julia Smith as she traverses around this day-long knowledge sharing festival with recorder in hand, interviewing participants and sharing her keen insights. Who knows? The idea might just work in your own neighborhood.

This entry is by Celeste, who recently blogged about Games for Change.