Re: [LM_NET] Wikipedia?

[Lauren Straub <lbgoblue@GMAIL.COM>]

This topic is a sore one for many of us, I'd bet.  Yes, we'd like kids
to develop research skills, use proven databases and websites, etc.
However, Wikipedia is free, simple to use, and according to a study by
Nature (a well-respected interdisciplinary science journal), roughly
as accurate as Encyclopedia Britannica.  I've included links to
references for this study below.

I've got to say that my middle school kids, when doing research, all
tell me right away: "Never use Wikipedia", in little robot
voices...because they've been brainwashed into thinking it's "a guy in
his mom's basement writing fake stuff" (just asked a kid in during
lunch to return a book, "why can't we use Wikipedia?").  Because it's
been pounded into their heads for a few years now.  They like to use
it for quick info, of course, as do I.  But sometimes when kids are
struggling to find another resource, I'll direct them to the footnotes
and references on a relevant Wikipedia page.  They look at me
sideways, like I'm some crazy person, but when I show them how some of
the links are actually to useful articles or pages, it becomes a
favorite trick.

None of the core teachers in my building accept Wikipedia as an actual
citation, but if going to it helps you get a good working knowledge
and figure out some other places to look...I say go for it!


http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v438/n7070/full/438900a.html
http://news.cnet.com/Study-Wikipedia-as-accurate-as-Britannica/2100-1038_3-5997332.html

Lauren

PS - Kathy, I don't see your PP (probably because LMnet won't accept
attachments?)  Could you send it to me? Thx!

On Wed, Sep 30, 2009 at 5:33 PM, Kathy Fester <kfester@shelton.org> wrote:
> I'm going to be the one who is contrary on this topic! Students (and
> teachers and administrators) all use Wikipedia and they will continue to do
> us. Most of us do, as well.  So we need to teach them how to use it
> effectively and finding authority. There are some valuable resources through
> Wikipedia and good ways to use it to take advantage of some of the recent
> research.  And there are specific things to be aware of. Have a look at my
> PowerPoint I've given to staff: "WikipediaWise." There is no commentary, but
> seems to be fairy intuitive--just take time going through the presentation
> as different areas are highlighted bit by bit.  I'd welcome any responses!
>
>
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> Kathy Fester
> Library Coordinator
> The June Shelton School & Evaluation Center
> Dallas, TX 75248
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> "...to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and
> information."  Information Power, 1998
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-- 
Lauren E. Straub

Media Specialist
Mill Creek Middle School
Dexter (MI) Community Schools
lbgoblue@gmail.com

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