People just don't know how anything works. They buy phones and have no idea how they work, cars, computers, everything is a black box to most people.
This is why I say at minimum, learning how to solder and what basic electronic components are and do is an important skill in the times we live in. I've fixed so many things I would've otherwise thrown out and bought another, if I didn't know the basic stuff. They should really teach it to the younger folk in school.
Sure, for books I recommend the "for Dummies" series of books on anything electronic. Some hobbyist electronic stores have all sorts of books and magazines you can get too (idk the name of any stores outside my country though, you'll have to look what stores in your country have that kind of thing. Those hobbyist magazines and books are what I learned from.
Online there's all sorts of stuff, a quick google search for me found a lot of good stuff on soldering and electronic components . Those "for Dummies" books are really good for the theory and math behind all of it. Also your local electronic shop might even have "learn to solder" kits you can practice on, they usually explain what all the components do and why you're making the thing. You can even find really cute custom ones on etsy if you want.
If you want to get started solderless, give arduino a go, they're really cheap and there's all sorts of projects that are fun, and/or useful, and you can even get your kids involved in many of their learning projects. Definitely pick up a kit (or a clone kit from AliExpress), it's lots of fun, and you learn some programming too.
YouTube is full of great hobbyist channels too, I can't really give a good recommendation on tutorial channels though. I'm sure you'll find something good if I you look around. I believe there's lots of arduino channels, plus arduino itself posts video tutorials.
This is why I say at minimum, learning how to solder and what basic electronic components are and do is an important skill in the times we live in. I've fixed so many things I would've otherwise thrown out and bought another, if I didn't know the basic stuff. They should really teach it to the younger folk in school.
Any suggested learning materials? That does sound very handy.
Sure, for books I recommend the "for Dummies" series of books on anything electronic. Some hobbyist electronic stores have all sorts of books and magazines you can get too (idk the name of any stores outside my country though, you'll have to look what stores in your country have that kind of thing. Those hobbyist magazines and books are what I learned from.
Online there's all sorts of stuff, a quick google search for me found a lot of good stuff on soldering and electronic components . Those "for Dummies" books are really good for the theory and math behind all of it. Also your local electronic shop might even have "learn to solder" kits you can practice on, they usually explain what all the components do and why you're making the thing. You can even find really cute custom ones on etsy if you want.
If you want to get started solderless, give arduino a go, they're really cheap and there's all sorts of projects that are fun, and/or useful, and you can even get your kids involved in many of their learning projects. Definitely pick up a kit (or a clone kit from AliExpress), it's lots of fun, and you learn some programming too.
This is a REALLY good recommendation. If you're interested in learning more about electronic bits, do this.
Thanks for the comprehensive answer. Time to hit the high seas and download a bunch of books for dummies lol.
YouTube is full of great hobbyist channels too, I can't really give a good recommendation on tutorial channels though. I'm sure you'll find something good if I you look around. I believe there's lots of arduino channels, plus arduino itself posts video tutorials.