I learn by building stuff.
Being able to show off something you've built is better than showing a certificate for something you studied for.
Being able to show off something you've built is better than showing a certificate for something you studied for.
I have the feeling that google has significantly changed the way I store things in my head (for the better or worse). Instead of remembering how things are done and why so, I at best save a mental hyperlink to the information or worse, I just rely on google to be available and give me the tutorial/code snippet I need at that very moment (and again forgetting all afterwards).
Being forced to reproduce what you've learned at least once without having google is actually useful (at least for the way my brain works).
Build something you actually care about. You can refer to the tutorials to get the basic skeleton up, but fleshing out the details is where you'll learn and retain.
Favor books over the web. Books generally have better exposition.
When I do this, I find I get a better understanding of things faster and also retain it for a lot longer.
Approach everything with a "beginner's mind". Never blow through a new tutorial cutting and pasting even if you are very experienced in the area. Take your time, learn as a beginner, but leverage your experience to instantly jump from beginner to expert once you have the necessary domain knowledge.
A well written combination biography + philosophy book on Zen.