Hi everyone,
I begin nearly every library research session at Wikipedia (with the approval of the instructor, as Nancy does). And, like Rick, I emphasize that it is a terrific place to get your head wrapped around the background, history, terminology, names, dates, etc. of a topic. Then I use the References to launch into how to use the more in-depth and "legitimate" tools (library databases, etc.) to conduct research. I also use the References to show them the difference between a book, journal, and web citation (also pointing out the need for a standard citation style) and then demonstrate them how to locate the sources they've found listed in Wikipedia bibliographies.
As for not citing Wikipedia, I suggest that their teachers would not accept a standard print encyclopedia like Britannica as an acceptable source, either. And I use the whole issue of accuracy and authority as a way to ask them how they would verify any type of information they found anywhere. I can't say enough about how useful Wikipedia is as a teaching tool!
I have to add that I also emphasize the usefulness of Google Books (for the first time in human history an individual can search the entire contents of millions of books in a single step - how cool is that?). Because you can search inside of an individual title once you've found it, it's a terrific way to find the best books on any topic, since you can get down to the sentence and paragraph level. And once you find a good book in Google Books, it's mighty easy to use the "Find in a Library" link to get a copy of the book.
I say immerse students in every tool available, and do it out loud and consciously because then you can illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of each. Help them use things like Wikipedia in intelligent ways, rather than labeling them intellectual boogeymen.
Kay Benjamin
From: Teaching Breakfast List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Cannon, Nancy ([log in to unmask])
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2011 9:28 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Wikipedia
Hi all,
Thanks, Harry! We need to recognize that students use Wikipedia. With prior approval of the instructor, I demonstrate Wikipedia to students during some library instruction sessions. Wikipedia contains an article on Using Wikipedia for Research which begins, "Wikipedia can be a great tool for learning and researching information. However, as with all reference works, not everything in Wikipedia is accurate, comprehensive, or unbiased."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Researching_with_Wikipedia
Best,
Nancy Cannon, Milne Library
From: Teaching Breakfast List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]<mailto:[mailto:[log in to unmask]]> On Behalf Of Jagels, Fredric ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>)
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2011 8:58 AM
To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Wikipedia
BRAVO! Harry,
I've been steering students to Wikipedia for several years. I tell them that Wikipedia (and Google for that matter) are part of the two step process of research- working knowledge and deeper knowledge. The "surface" knowledge afforded provides keywords for a deeper search (library data base) as well as some basic idea of some opinions on their topic. The fact that every Wikipedia entry has links and sources at the bottom is also a good next step for research. Without the more specific vocabulary a database (peer review) search can be very frustrating.
One experiment I suggest to doubters is look up something they have some knowledge about in Wikipedia and see if the information is good. I have found it to be so generally. I've even had the opportunity to correct/augment entries about which I knew something (last year manufacture of a particular model of motorcycle and some U.S. State Department information I was privy to).
If I remember correctly, at one of the TB's someone mentioned an assignment to create or add to a Wikipedia entry. Wouldn't that require critical reading, research, writing...
Rick
Rick Jagels
Education Specialist
College Assistance Migrant Program
111 Wilsbach Hall
State University of NY College at Oneonta
(607)436-2297
[log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
From: Teaching Breakfast List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]<mailto:[mailto:[log in to unmask]]> On Behalf Of Pence, Harry ([log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>)
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2011 8:37 AM
To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Wikipedia
Dear Friends,
I sense a shift in the attitudes with respect to Wikipedia. This article is only the latest example.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2011/11/18/sociology-association-encourages-members-help-improve-wikipedia
Based on surveys I have seen, students commonly use Wikipedia as a starting point for the research process in order to explore unfamiliar topics. That is exactly what one of the professors suggests that he does in this article. Is it time higher education told students how to best use Wikipedia, instead of bemoaning the face that it is not a peer-reviewed journal?
Harry
Harry E. Pence
SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus
SUNY Oneonta
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