I have often heard it said, "do not use Wiki!" There is a common thought that anything and everything posted on Wikipedia is wrong and unreliable. That thought has migrated into any information that is Wiki based (using common Web 2.0 tools) is wrong and unreliable. This assumption that Wiki is wrong is exactly the reason that training on information literacy is vital.
Wikipedia is an important research and knowledge tool.
- A review of wiki materials on any topic can serve as a vital brainstorming tool for students conducting research.
- Wikipedia provides links to other sources on a specific topic.
- Wikipedia has opportunities for students to share information that have uncovered in independent research.
Wikipedia is an excellent resource to teach the importance of infomration literacy because it will share information that is both correct and incorrect. Citations from Wikipedia should be strongly discouraged as students need to learn to verify information.
I have heard so many teachers saying that we should never use wikipedia. I agree with you, it gives great information and it helps a lot; however, we need to realize that we need other sources to check our information.
ReplyDeleteYour reasoning for and against Wikipedia are (in my opinion) right on point. I love to use it for photographs or for personal reference making, but for students' research papers- not a good idea.
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