In “From Knowledgeable to Knowledge-Able,” Michael Wesch proposes a new approach of teaching students. It moves away from the traditional method of simply having them retain dates, facts, and concepts, to a practice of discussing complex issues and working towards resolving them via technology.
Wesch’s main point is that as technology evolves and new media is developed, those with access have an ability to control what is news and how it gets talked about. Those voices used to belong to the nightly news anchors on cable television, however now if you have a smart phone and a Youtube account you can construct a video, post it and it has the potential to be shared with millions of people.
Wesch wants students to know that they have the power to discover, organize, examine, and produce new information. This should be the focus in schools. I found this concept to be very powerful, and very relevant.
The best example of a way to implement this new learning style is the “Free Hugs” video.
One class assignment could be to have students select an issue or a topic they feel is not getting enough coverage on the news, and make a short commercial trying to raise awareness. This simple assignment can empower the student, inspiring them to go further with the topic.
Michael Wesch contends that in the digital era we as educators need to make students aware that being a critical thinker is not enough to facilitate change. This is a practical first step in making students realize that the solutions to the real-life problems of the future are not going to be “on the test.”
This is great way to empower the students and prepare them to take ownership of their learning, because they cannot simply rely on a lecture, or a textbook.
Wesch, M. (2010, October, 12). From Knowledgeable to Knowledge-Able. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeaAHv4UTI8