TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION

The pace of technological evolution over the years is truly remarkable. It’s incredible to think about how easily accessible knowledge has become, thanks to the internet and digital technology. However, alongside this accessibility comes the realization that our digital footprints are constantly being formed, sometimes from the earliest moments of our lives. During one of our lectures, I learned that 92% of toddlers today have a digital footprint, isn’t it crazy to think about? The idea of having your photos, videos, and memories available on the web from the day you are born can be disturbing. This shows the extend to which technology and media have penetrated society and established new norms.

TECHNOLOGY THEN VS NOW

Growing up, I never had access to the kind of technology that is so readily available today. Even compared to my parents’ generation, the technological landscape was very different during my childhood. Each generation witnesses technological advancements that were unimaginable to the generation before it. Revolution is constantly happening, and I can’t even begin to imagine how to explain to a person, from let’s say 1950’s, the technological world we live in right now. It has reshaped nearly every aspect of our lives, from how we communicate and learn to how we work and entertain ourselves.  The pace of technological change can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for those who didn’t grow up with the same level of access to technology.

During our lecture, we talked about a quote from Douglas Adams, author of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, who came up with a set of rules that describe how we respond to technology. Here’s a quote of his:

1. “Anything that is in the world when you’re born is normal and ordinary and is just a natural part of the way the world works.
2. Anything that’s invented between when you’re fifteen and thirty-five is new and exciting and revolutionary and you can probably get a career in it.
3. Anything invented after you’re thirty-five is against the natural order of things.”

For me, embracing lifelong learning and adaptability is a thrilling journey of personal growth and exploration. As someone who has witnessed the rapid advancements in technology, I understand the importance of staying curious and open-minded. Whether I grew up surrounded by digital devices or I’m just beginning to navigate this tech-infused world, I recognize that there’s always something new to discover and learn. Each new skill mastered, each new concept understood, opens up a world of possibilities for making meaningful contributions to society and improving my own life.

Entering a career as an educator, it’s crucial to stay up to date with technology because using various tech tools such as educational apps, interactive whiteboards, online simulations, and others can enhance the learning experience, strengthen the connection with students, and empower students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

EMBRACE THE CHANGE

“New media not only introduce new ways for us to express ourselves, but also new forms of self-awareness—new ways to refect on who we are and how we relate to others.” – YouTube and You by Michael Wesch. After our class discussion, I was interested in getting to know Michael Wesch’s work better. It offers  deep understanding of how technology has changed our world, particularly in terms of participation and culture. His lecture “An Antropological Introduction to YouTube” provides a fascinating exploration of how YouTube reflects and shapes contemporary culture. He says: “YouTube is a huge cultural force. It’s a global phenomenon. It’s everywhere. It’s not just videos. It’s ideas. It’s politics. It’s culture. It’s everything.”

Here are some of Michael Wesch’s ideas and quotes that resonated with me the most, when Michael Wesch described YouTube as a growing community:

• Empowerment and Community. “It’s a celebration of new forms of empowerment. Anyone with a webcam now has a stronger voice and presence. It’s a celebration of new forms of community, and types of community we’ve never really seen before, or global connections transcending space and time. It’s a celebration of new and unimaginable possibilities.” Watching his video was an eye-opening experience that truly expanded my understanding of YouTube as more than just a platform but a vibrant cultural ecosystem. I browsed his YouTube channel and found another video called “The Machine is (Changing) Us: YouTube and the Politics of Authenticity”. His talks are so inspiring and brilliant, and yet so simply!
• Participation. “We’re moving from a kind of passive consumer culture to one in which we are all expected to be not just consumers of media, but also producers of media.”  It represents a significant shift in our relationship with media and technology. In the past, traditional media consumption was largely a passive experience where people received information and entertainment without much opportunity for active participation. Today, with the rise of platforms like YouTube and social media, the lines between consumer and producer have blurred. Now, we’re not just passive recipients of content; we’re also expected to contribute, create, and share our own stories and perspectives. This shift has fundamentally changed the way I engage with media. Instead of simply consuming content, I find myself actively seeking opportunities to participate, whether it’s through sharing my own experiences on social media, contributing to online discussions, or even creating my own content on platforms like YouTube.
• The Human Element in Technology. “It’s not about the technology, it’s about the people.” Technology is a tool that is shaped by human interactions, stories, experiences, and connections. Creators like Casey Neistat, who combine storytelling with innovative cinematography, exemplify how technology can empower human creativity and expression on the platform.
• The Importance of Participation. “If we don’t understand this new culture of participation, we’re not going to understand our world.” “The machine is us. We are the machine.” Michael Wesch reminds us that to truly understand and navigate our world today, we must embrace and engage with the culture of participation that defines the digital age. Failure to understand and embrace this culture of participation means missing out on opportunities for connection, collaboration, and growth. It means being out of touch with the realities of our interconnected world and failing to grasp the complexities of modern society. Additionally, YouTube empowers us to shape the cultural landscape in meaningful ways. For example, movements like #BlackLivesMatter have utilized YouTube as a platform for activism, facilitating important discussions on social justice issues.

The Effect of Michael Wasch’s Insights on YouTube for Classrooms and Schools

The implications of Mickael Wasch’s insights on YouTube for classrooms and schools are significant, as they highlight the need for educators to understand and navigate the digital landscape effectively. Teachers can help students to develop critical thinking skills to navigate the the vast array of content on YouTube, distinguish between valid information and misinformation, and recognize the cultural context on the content they consume. As Wasch discusses the socio-cultural implications of YouTube, this includes teaching students about online safety, responsible digital behavior, and the ethical use of digital platforms.

One of the key takeaways from Wesch’s video is the importance of promoting student engagement. He emphasizes that successful YouTubers captivate their audiences by being genuine, relatable, and passionate about their content. As a future educator, this resonated with me as I reflected on how I can bring authenticity into my online teaching practice. Whether it’s sharing personal anecdotes, showing enthusiasm for the subject, or creating a welcoming virtual environment. Authenticity can help develop a sense of connection and understanding with students, even in the digital space. Michael Wesch suggests that educators can learn from YouTubers who actively engage with their audience through comments, polls, and interactive features. This insight has inspired me to explore new ways of promoting student participation in virtual classrooms, whether it’s through live polls, breakout discussions, or collaborative projects that empower students to take an active role in their learning journey. For example, I really enjoyed participating in a survey in one of our classes, so I will definitely incorporate it in my teaching practice.

He also highlights the power of storytelling as a tool for engaging learners. By adding narrative structure, teachers can captivate students’ attention and make abstract concepts more accessible and memorable. Inspired by YouTubers, who skillfully weave storytelling into their videos, I see the opportunity to incorporate elements of storytelling into my lesson plans, turning complex topics into compelling narratives that resonate with students on a deeper level.

Overall, Michael Wesch’s work had deepened my understanding of the relationship between technology, culture, and society. I am happy I explored his work through this course. It has opened up new perspectives on the role of technology in our lives. Also, his work has challenged me to rethink my approach to online teaching and to draw inspiration from the dynamic and engaging content creators on YouTube. I believe educators can create more vibrant and engaging online learning experiences that resonate with students and promote a deeper love for learning.