Wow! I'm reformed! After reading chpt. 4, I can now say that I have a different perspective of Wikipedia. My only experience with Wikipedia was the occasion viewing of what would come up when I would google a topic; sometimes I would open the entry and other times I would not. I don't think I have ever used anything I have read from a Wikipedia posting for any of my work however. I didn't know that it was so trusted and used by so many: corporations, schools, cities, etc. What can I say?? I've been living in a cave somewhere I guess. I also had no idea how or where the word "wiki" originated from....I figured it was something like how google originated. But now I know that it is a short form of the Hawaiian 'wiki-wiki' which means "quick". My limited experience with Wikipedia would support that it is indeed a quick read. As for using and/or teaching my students about Wikipedia or wikis, I could envision a purpose for it especially after reading that the postings are, for the most part, accurate. Apparently, there are a vast number of people (that could be considered editors) who collaboratively correct any mistakes or vandalism. This has been tested many times according to Richardson.
More importantly was my take on using wikis and Wikipedia in the classroom. Richardson stated that Wikipedia is the "poster child" for collaborative construction of knowledge and truth. As an educator, I could collaborate with other educators or professionals in the science field. I think it is important to stay current and certainly postings on Wikipedias are ongoing. I would teach my students about Wikipedia (although I am sure they already know of it) but I would also encourage them to be critical thinkers about what they read from Wikipedia (or any other source for that matter). I thought Richardson cited some great examples for how educators are using wikis in the classroom. Especially the teacher, Vicki Davis in Georgia, who started to use wikis to connect her students to other learners from around the world through a project she created called "Flat Classroom." Moreover, what I really like about this textbook (Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and other powerful web tools for classrooms) as a whole is how Richardson cites many real world examples of how the different technologies are being used in the classroom. Great source for ideas! Additionally, he goes one step further and tells you how to create your own wiki as well as how to post on a wiki site. I just think that information like what Richardson provides in this book is what is needed (as well as taking a class such as the one I am in now) to facilitate educators use of these different technologies.
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I had no idea that Wikipedia could be trusted that much either. I'll have to admit this: I still have some reservations about Wikipedia. Maybe its because my English professors have groomed me to research by thumbing through dusty old books, and relying solely on academic journals. I will likely rely more on Wikipedia now, but I probably won't ever use it in a works cited list.
ReplyDeleteI always thought Wikipedia was evil, but my views are starting to change. Yes, people can post random information- possibly incorrect- but it seems Wikipedia tries to monitor the information. As teachers, we should take responsibility for teaching the students how to obtain valid information from all sites.
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