I remember Wikipedia being one of the more controversial things in my science and English classes in middle and high school. Almost all of my teachers were very strongly against Wikipedia. They would claim that it could not be trusted since anyone could add anything to it. I believed them and did not use Wikipedia in any of my papers throughout my school experience. So, it was quite a shock when I learned that, not only should Wikipedia be used but, that it could be trusted. After seeing some of the ins and outs of Wikipedia, I understand now why it should be used in the classroom. It is truly collaborative work from people that are passionate about the subject of that page. I now view it as sitting down with several different people that are knowledgeable on the subject that I am researching and having a conversation. Now, in real life, you wouldn't always trust what these people had to say unless they could back it up with scholarly articles...which Wikipedia has! The fact that Wikipedia cites where they are getting their information and that they are transparent about the quality of the page should make Wikipedia more commonplace in the classroom.
As an elementary school teacher, I want to educate my students on how to use Wikipedia and how to use it well. I will teach my students how to find the grade of the page and how to defend the page that they use. I will also encourage them to make edits and to become active on Wikipedia. Wikipedia is something that should open doors and is something that should be used in the classroom. I am excited to help to improve Wikipedia's reputation within the school system.
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