Web production is a field that requires a very wide range of knowledge, such as programming languages, design, user experience (UX), and SEO. Especially for beginners and self-taught learners, it is very important to find the right learning method in order to absorb the right knowledge efficiently. In this article, I will take a neuroscientific perspective and explain in detail specific methods for learning web production efficiently.
1. Understand the “mechanism of memory” to improve learning efficiency
Understanding the mechanism by which the brain stores information for a long period of time is essential for promoting efficient learning. The brain cannot remember all the information at once, and determines the “importance of information” when transferring from short-term memory to long-term memory. The most effective way to increase this “importance” is by coming into contact with the same information over and over again, that is, learning through repetition.
However, it is important not only to look at and read information repeatedly, but also to stimulate the brain through the “act of remembering” (active recall). For example, when learning essential skills for web production, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, not only by looking at reference books and video materials, but by actually writing the code, you can easily establish your memory by repeatedly asking yourself questions such as “what was this code written for” and “why are these CSS properties necessary.” Furthermore, this method also leads to developing practical application skills that are useful even in actual web production sites.
1-1. What do you do when your understanding becomes vague along the way?
In the process of learning about creating a web, there is always a moment when understanding becomes vague. At that time, the problem many learners face is the choice of “whether to stop and fully understand, or move on with some degree of ambiguity.”
In order to take the optimal approach from the viewpoint of brain science, let's first determine whether the ambiguity is “basic content” or “applied details.” For example, if your understanding of the meaning of HTML tags or the basic structure of CSS is ambiguous, this is the part that forms the foundation of web production, so it is important to stop and slowly deepen your understanding. This is because basic knowledge is the foundation that supports understanding of all applied technologies.
On the other hand, if your understanding of the detailed behavior of specific JavaScript functions or advanced CSS techniques is ambiguous, there is no problem even if you proceed with the study once you have an initial understanding. Rather, it's more efficient to go back and deepen your understanding after you've made some progress. At that time, the overall flow and role of web production are clearly visible, so knowledge that was ambiguous can be easily organized.
1-2. A simple way to deal with “not being able to make a decision”
Nevertheless, situations sometimes occur where “I can't even decide if this is important.” This is proof that my knowledge hasn't been organized within me yet, and it's a learning opportunity I'd rather actively utilize. What is useful here is a skill called “metacognition.”
Metacognition refers to the ability to objectively analyze one's own understanding situation and clearly grasp what one is understanding and what is lacking. If you are unsure about making a decision while learning about web production, first write it down as a specific question. They put that question on hold and move on to learn other relevant knowledge.
Once you've learned a bit, let's go back to that question again. If you look at it again with increased knowledge, the content that was initially ambiguous will become extremely clear, and you will be able to understand it in depth. Not only is this method efficient, but it is also excellent for long-term knowledge retention.
2. Learning how to create a web with an emphasis on practice is the key to success
Finally, in learning web production, it is very important not only to be biased towards theoretical knowledge, but to repeat practice over and over again. Recently, web creation tools using AI have also become popular, but even if you create using AI, you need to learn how to use it.
Specifically, it is important to repeatedly “practice” and “look back” through practical learning, such as revising the created code many times and actually creating websites. This kind of repetitive work not only maximizes the brain's memory, but also enhances the immediate ability required for actual work.
In order to learn efficient web production, it is important to actively incorporate a learning cycle that is conscious of the three elements of “repetition,” “metacognition,” and “practice.” In particular, by using a no-code tool such as Webflow, trial and error can be repeated quickly while visually checking the deliverables, so the cycle of practice and reflection is shortened, and the speed of learning can be dramatically improved.
