Today, when someone has a question or needs some more
information, their first stop is probably the internet. After a quick search, their second stop is
likely to involve a visit to Wikipedia. As
a collaborative encyclopedia with thousands of editors (both amateur and professional),
Wikipedia has information on virtually every topic one could imagine. Still, many academic institutions limit or
prohibit the use of Wikipedia due to misconceptions about the veracity of its
content.
Since anyone can seemingly write anything they want on a
Wikipedia entry, it is understandable why some educators would discourage the
use of this site. However, there is a
lot to be gained by using Wikipedia and its vast knowledge bank. For one, Wikipedia information is often more
current than textbooks or journals.
Since updates can be published anytime from anywhere, information on
current issues is often very relevant.
For example, during the 2004 tsunami, information was posted every
minute, some coming in even before it was reported by news networks.
As for the claim that information on Wikipedia is inherently
inaccurate, there is no way to ensure every article is correct 100% of the
time. However, the site has increasingly
added safeguards to help users identify false information. For one, Wikipedia flags articles that are
out of date, lack citations, or are incomplete.
Additionally, Wikipedia has protected certain articles from being edited
by anyone other than an administrator.
Such protected articles are generally those that face “information vandalism”
either for humor or propaganda.
Another great Wikipedia feature that many people may not
know about is the discussion section attached to each article. This is a space where article editors can
share the motives behind their updates, ask questions, and clarify information
with other knowledgeable users.
Reviewing this discussion can help any reader identify bias and
determine the credibility of an article’s editors.
Beyond conducting research, Wikipedia also offers a space
for anyone to share their knowledge on any topic of interest. This is a great exercise for students, who
may not have had much experience with concise, expository writing. Additionally, the discussion feature allows
for an author’s work to be critiqued (for better or for worse) in a genuine
public forum. This is something that
many students may not otherwise experience.
Even if someone still refuses to cite Wikipedia as a
trustworthy source, it can still be a helpful starting point. Wikipedia articles can provide context and background
information. They are also full of references
to web pages, books, journal articles, and other sources that are generally
considered reliable. Thus, if nothing
else, Wikipedia offers a jumping-off point.
This, combined with its global community, makes it a great place to
begin research, gather information, and share ideas.
References:
Educase. (2007,
June). 7 things you should know about
wikipedia. Retrieved from www.educase.edu/eli
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