From the first campfire stories to the algorithms shaping our digital lives, information networks have always played a central role in how we understand the world and each other. In "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI," Yuval Noah Harari explores how networks of communication and knowledge-sharing have evolved over millennia—and what this means for our future.
Join us for a thought-provoking Media Club discussion as we dive into the book’s key themes: the power of shared myths and narratives, the rise of bureaucratic and digital systems, and the potential—and peril—of AI in shaping collective intelligence. We’ll consider how Harari’s sweeping historical insights can inform the way we teach students about media, networks, and truth. What can educators learn from the evolution of information systems? How can we help students navigate an increasingly interconnected and algorithmically driven world?
Whether you're in K-12 education, higher ed, or curriculum development, this session will offer rich conversation and timely connections to media literacy, civic education, and the challenges of teaching in an age of information overload.
Date: Monday, May 5, 2025
Time: 12 pm EST | 6 pm CET | 10:30 pm ISTÂ
LOCATION: Register here for the webinar series.
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Required Media
Video: Yuval Noah Harari introduces 'Nexus' (1.5 min)
Article: Book Review by Walter Cummins
Optional Media
Book: "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI" by Yuval Noah Harari
Podcast: “NEXUS (Part 1): Can Democracy Survive the AI Revolution?” on The Next Big Idea Podcast (Spotify - Apple Podcasts)
Video: Comedy Central Extended Interview with Harari (18 min)
Critical Article: Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari review – end of days? (Guardian, 11 Sept 2024)
Host: Dr. Wesley FryerÂ
Wesley Fryer, PhD, is a middle school STEM and media literacy middle school teacher at Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. As an educational technology “early adopter / innovator” since the late 1990s, Wes shares a variety of resources on social media platforms including BlueSky, Mastodon, YouTube, Linked In, Facebook, TikTok, etc. Learn more about him on wesfryer.com/bio. Watch one of his TEDx talks (or another presentation) via this YouTube playlist.
Please get in touch with us if you want to suggest future Media Club meeting topics to discuss an article, book, podcast, video or any media related to our interests.
Dr. Wes Fryer, Webinar Series Manager |Â wes.fryer@providenceday.org Â