I was very surprised to find out there was a rating system for Wikipedia submissions to determine their legitimacy. In taking the topic of the "last generation to remember life before the internet," utilizing Wikipedia seems like a logical step forward. I understand, as educators, we are used to textbooks and tangible materials, but this could be a very productive resource for students. I especially like the idea of having a class collaborate on a single Start or Stub article. It isn't a perfect source, but I think using technology in this way to promote research, could get students excited for a topic and engaged in the material.
This would work great for any level, but I plan to use this in my ELA classroom. It is reassuring to know that Wikipedia can be a reliable source for information if students are shown the proper methods of vetting sources. This is also a fantastic way for students to reference back to a work they have completed and build on their own ideas and help them with accountability that their work or anything they publish is something worth putting their time and energy into.
I was so excited when I found out that Wikipedia is no longer a bad word in academia! I mean how cool is it that articles have those ratings! I ended up using that today for another assignment and it was good to know that when I need to go back and clarify a point, Wikipedia has me covered.
ReplyDeleteAs for applying it, I think the start/stub option is a great way to get students excited about research. I would really like to try this in my classroom since I will be working with 7th graders, and trying to get them to research. Plus there is the fact that I can help them add more to Washington State history on the internet! How amazing is that! Good comments Kelsey!
I agree!! Wikipedia doesn't suck!! I was so intrigued to listen to his lesson and tips about this site. I remember when I was a student we were always told that Wikipedia was not a resourceful site to use. This lesson changed my mind, and I'm so excited to show this technique to my students when I student teach!!
ReplyDeleteThis was definitely a game changer. The idea of vetting and double checking the veracity of information is so important. I had no idea that there was a rating system for the importance and accuracy of Wikipedia posts. I also had no idea that there were moderators that could delete erroneous posts and even block people for their nonsense! All of this needs to be incorporated into what and how we teach.
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