Can Wikipedia be used for research?
Reading Will Richardsonís blog entry from August 16, 2007 on "Discussions on Wikipedia," I felt I just had to add my comments. †His conclusion to the post read, "More reason why I still think Wikipedia is one of the most important sites on the Web right now for educators to fully get their brains around."
I encourage you to read the article. I have had several discussions why Wikipedia is or is not acceptable for research. †My bias is that it is acceptable. I have read some of the evaluations of Wikipedia comparing it to other encyclopedias and they both have errors.
The value of Wikipedia multi-fold.
1. It has more current information than any print or CD based encyclopedia can possibly compete with.
2. It clearly states when articles are in refute or without references
3. It challenges the reader to evaluate the information and possibly improve it.
4. It encourages critical questioning of information. Read more of Will's blog post to see the discussion that articles create can be more important than the article.
While Wikipedia as a reference source may be questioned, its value as an educational tool should not be. Wikipedia and other user created content is a tool for information and media literate citizens.
A. Do you look to Wikipedia for answers?
B. Do you contribute to Wikipedia?
C. How can Wikipedia be included in your classroom?
I have used Wikipedia, I have contributed, and I have used both the article I submitted and another wiki that I have created. Being immersed in the wealth of information available, I believe that Wikipedia is a valuable reference tool and discussion tool. Any classroom doing research could find Wikipedia of value.
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