现代网络时代：如何利用各种网络资源提升自己？

For most, the Internet has become a ubiquitous part of daily life. Many people work online all day and then spend evenings streaming movies. With the convenience of online banking, fewer customers step inside their local banks, while millions of shoppers make purchases without leaving home. And the Internet has replaced the phone as a quick way to stay in touch with family and friends.
对大部分人来说，网络已经是每日生活不可或缺的一部分。很多人白天在线上工作，晚上在网上看电影。网上银行的便利也使得越来越少的人真正走进当地的银行，而那些购物者们也习惯了足不出户的购物时光。与此同时，网络也逐渐取代电话，成为与家人好友联系的更快捷方式。

Of course, the Internet can do so much more than just bringing your favorite show to your big-screen TV. It’s more than just a place to pay your electric bill and buy books. This incredible place called the World Wide Web is also a powerful tool for self-improvement. Here are five ways to make the Internet work for your self-improvement and growth:
网络并不仅仅是把喜欢的节目搬到大电视上哦，也不光是给你支付电子账单和买书的工具。这个叫做“万维网”的东西还是给你自我提升的绝好途径。我们一起看看可以利用网络进行自我提升的五个方法吧：

1. Searching for Information
找信息

Enter any topic of interest into your favorite search engine and, voila, you have an enormous amount of information at your fingertips. What a great way to further your knowledge on an endless variety of subjects. But how do you know whether the information you’re reading is credible – or complete nonsense?
对任何一个你感兴趣的话题进行一下搜索吧，瞬间就会掌握大量这方面的信息。把自己的知识延展到不同的学科多棒呀！但怎么分辨你读的信息究竟是可信的还是无用的呢？

Check your sources. Find out who is publishing the information. Government agencies, universities or well-known publishing houses are generally trustworthy.
那就找一下源头，看看是谁发布了这个消息。政府机关、大学或知名出版社的都比较靠谱。

Check the publisher’s motivation. Keep in mind that many articles are simply advertisements for businesses that want to sell you something. And some sites are intended to push just one point of view.
再看看发布人的目的是什么。要记住有些文章仅仅是为了商业广告，想卖给你东西。有些是想给别人洗脑。

2. Online Education and Training
线上教育和培训

If you’ve always wanted to further your education or upgrade your skills but haven’t had the time, online courses may be the answer. Unlike with traditional brick-and-mortar schools, Internet-based learning eliminates the need for attending classes at specified times.
如果你想进一步发展学业提升技能却苦于没有时间，线上课程可以帮大忙。与传统的教学不同，线上教学不需要在指定的时间上课哦。

You may have concerns about the quality of online education. In fact, it has come a long way, and many who previously dismissed online learning have come to embrace it. Top-rated schools such as Stanford and Villanova University offer online professional certification and academic degree programs to students all over the world.
你也许担心线上教学的质量问题。实际上，这是由来已久的教学方式，那些原先抵制的人也开始接受它。像斯坦福和维拉诺瓦这样的名校给全世界的学生都提供专业的线上认证以及学术学位项目。

Ask yourself what your educational goals are: Do you want to pursue a degree or certificate, or just expand your knowledge? Do you want to advance in your career or become an expert on a particular subject? No matter your objective, there is probably an online education program to help you achieve it.
问问自己教育目标到底是什么：是为了文凭和证书，还只是为了扩大知识面？想升职还是成为某个领域的专家？无论你的目标是什么，线上教育都能满足你的需求。想学英语当然是上和谐英语学习网啦!