In the talk given by Michael Welsch, entitled From Knowledgeable to Knowledge-Able, Michael draws attention to the need for our education system to change. He suggests that critical thinking is no longer enough for our students. The internet not only allows our students access to world-wide awareness but can be a voice for each of them to initiate change. On the internet, we can create layers of communications. "Different contributions from all over the world can add up to something quite beautiful." (Michael Wesch, 2010) Our education system needs to change from helping our students become knowledgeable to becoming knowledge-able. Knowledge-ability is a practice not an end point. Our students must become "meaning makers" embracing real problems, collaborating to solve them by harnessing the tools available.
The science classroom is a great place to put this shift of learning into play. We use pod casts and videos, along with computer simulations to scaffold learning. These along with lab observations make learning fun and relevant and build knowledge. This is still not where we need to be. Knowledge-ability is a state of mind, a growth mindset that empowers our students to question real life. We need to get to the point where students discover the problems and work together to solve those problems. Knowledge-ability is the confidence to act on your question, think critically, propose a solution, and create results. The rising generation must be able to feel globally and act accordingly. I am not exactly sure how this will happen, but I know that I will contribute as I recognize the greatness in each student, empower them to take care of each other, and inspire them to seek a better world.
Wesch, M. (2010, October 12). TEDxKC-Michael Wesch-From Knowledgeable to Knowledge-Able. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeaAHv4UTI8