How to turn Information into Knowledge

Information is not knowledge.

~Albert Einstein

Information is like a vast ocean. If you do not know what you are looking for, you will get drowned in it. You have to use information selectively and convert it into useful knowledge because as the saying goes knowledge is power.   Here are the steps you can take and transform information into knowledge:

·         Comprehend: A piece of information needs to be digested. We have to understand the whole process and appreciate the logic. Like learning to write and publish an eBook, you need to know why something has to be done before you proceed to the next stage. However, Comprehension itself will not turn a piece of information into knowledge.  

·         Apply: it is after learning the right way to do something, like writing and publishing an eBook, you gain the experience by actually doing it yourself. By doing so, you will encounter problems; you will find ways to overcome them. You will also notice that some pertinent facts are missing in the information that you have gathered.  At this stage, you are knowledgeable because you know how to get something done with the available information and your own experience.

·         Teach: In the next stage your share your experience and teach others what you have learned to reinforce your knowledge. You will also learn from others on the same subject to broaden your knowledge and know-how.  

·         Wisdom: According to the Oxford Advanced Lerner’s Dictionary, wisdom is the ability to make sensible decisions and give good advice because of the experience and knowledge that you have.

At this stage, you have the expert knowledge and skills to provide ideas and wise decisions to others.  

Are you just gathering information or gaining knowledge?