[CALIBK12] Wikipedia

[David Burt]

Excellent Discussion going on here about Wikipedia. When I started in the library I worked to ban students from using it.  Then David Loertscher had us do a class entry on school libraries as one of our assignments.  Then I started looking at Wikipedia and what is on it. I'm going to have to support those who use it as part of their research.  I now tell students it is a good place to start research but always confirm from another source.  I've found students who start there and then move on to World Book and EBSCO, our school's resources, do just fine in the accuracy department.

Thanks again for all the insights,

Dave

David J. Burt
Teacher Librarian
Southwest High School
El Centro, CA
dburt at cuhsd.net
http://library.eaglesnet.net
"No use going to class if you don't go to the library" --Ray Bradbury
-----Original Message-----
From: calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu [mailto:calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu] On Behalf Of Marsha Mielke
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2009 9:09 AM
To: calibk12 at lists.sjsu.edu
Subject: Re: [CALIBK12] Wikipedia


As a teacher consultant and tech consultant for the Redwood Writing Project, 
I have recently developed a workshop entitled "What's so Wicked About 
Wikipedia".  By Feb 7th, I would have presented this to various K-16 
educators from Humboldt and Mendocino counties and will present at the 
upcoming CATE conference.  It addresses the use of Wikipedia and other wikis 
as resources and the various applications of student/teacher generated wikis 
in the classroom.

Our findings through this teacher inquiry agrees with Tom's opinion. 
Wikipedia has some good content (featured articles with bronze stars) and 
some not so good content.  Before making a blanket judgment, it is best to 
explore their evolving editorial methods.  And also be aware of content, 
purpose and authority of all wikis.  It is a teaching opportunity.  However, 
I still tell my high school scholars to use it as a search engine and not a 
resource because most of my colleagues at CSU and other higher institutions 
will not accept it.  Best not to get into the habitual use and continue to 
use a variety of resources both in format and in origin.

Take Care,
Marsha Mielke, MLIS
McKinleyville High School


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