Comment by tdy721

Start small. Here's a shift register: http://www.ti.com/product/SN74LV8153

It turns serial signal into parallel output.

They are often found in kits like this: https://www.amazon.com/Smraza-Breadboard-Resistors-Mega2560-... (research a better one than this)

Get a Raspberry Pi (Any controller really, get what you what)

Build something useless like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lgnopk1qmkk

There are lots of learning kits available on Amazon. That's how I "taught myself" hobby electronics. I don't know much, but this stuff is magic! So it's impressive to most just to implement a simple shift register! Blinkenlights for the win!