Encyclopedia vs. Wikipedia
The scenario: Your students are at the "information gathering" stage of their problem based research project on animals (I'll use the Bald Eagle for this scenario). In your PAPER packet you have students write down all of the different sources they could get information from on the Bald Eagle. If you are "old school," you will force your students to definitely use one of the dust collecting, commonly used as a paperweight, decoratively used as a book end, outdated, 1987 World Book Encyclopedia's. If you are the exact opposite, you will allow your students to use the Internet, and even demonstrate using Wikipedia appropriately.
I often find myself asking why so many teachers still force their students to use encyclopedias to do their research. Most encyclopedia volumes are very expensive; which is major problem for schools who are trying to "cut back" in these tough economic times. I am not saying that Wikipedia is the answer to all of our problems, because it certainly is not.
However, by double left-clicking on your desktop Internet button, you are granting yourself access to the information highway. For various fees, the World Book Encyclopedia is now available online...plus...it is current! For free, you can have your students go on a multitude of over common encyclopedias; such as: Encyclopedia Britannica, Yahoo's free encyclopedia, or encyclopedia.com. In addition to these sites, there are what seems like an infinite amount of sites (through a simple google search) that specialize in whatever topic your student(s) is/are studying.
Internet has made research much less of a hassle. Finding the answers to anything and everything is no longer impossible.
Which leaves me wondering, why do so many teachers still force their students to blow the dust off of that 262 lb book from 1987 to gather information? Do we actually believe this is a skill that students still must have?
Chris, I agree with you and I would assume the members of our Walden course will agree with you too. Otherwise, what is the use of earning this degree? To answer your question, many teachers have the "this is the way I was taught and this is the way I will teach" mentality.
ReplyDeleteNow, I am not a huge fan of Wikipedia because of the issues of validity with some of the information. I will allow my students to use Wikipedia (with caution) and I encourage them to use some of the other sites you listed for research. I always tell my students, they do have the convenience of not finding information... it is only a click away.
We do use the library (occasionally) because I think that is a valuable research tool to have and I continue to be a fan of turning a page, but the majority of my research assignments are conducted in the computer lab opposed to the library.
Love your blog page, Chris!
ReplyDeleteThe only argument I have for still using information from books, preferrably more current than 1987 encyclopedias, is that inexperienced students get overwhelmed by the wealth of information available online or frustrated because the site they want is blocked by the school filter. This is what I saw when my less than motivated seventh graders researched careers. Of course our media specialist had websites picked out and directed them there. However, a few of my students who did better with the books specifically about their chosen career because they didn't have to "navigate" to find exactly what they wanted. I think books might be valid longer than you think....maybe just as paper weights, but still useful.
I'm with Fred on the issue of validity on Wikipedia. Before my students started researching we did an exercise to help them determine the authority, currency, credibility, and accuracy of websites. Hopefully they can use those skills within Wikipedia too!
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteNice blog! I think the one problem I have with Wikipedia is the validity of the site. There are times in which I have found information that is not accurate and I know of a few instances where my colleagues said students used some incorrect information in their research and reports. You mentioned to show them how to use the Internet and research properly, I would love to hear what you do with your students to show them what is good information and what is incorrect or bad information/web sites.
I do agree with the use of the online encyclopedias, they are excellent and inexpensive. My school district subscribes to one and the information is great, and very reliable.
I go over these things with my students to help them with the aspect of getting good information from the Internet.
1. Check the domain. If the site is supposed to be a site about education, does the domain address end in .edu?
2. Read the "About Us." Is there contact information, as well as a clear detailing of who is responsible for creating and updating the site?
3. Check the last update. If the site hasn't been updated recently, it isn't a site from where you want to get information. The date for the most recent update usually appears at the beginning or at the end of the site's home page.
4. Compare similar sites. Check other sites that are supposed to have the same kind of information as the site you are visiting.
5. Use common sense. If the site is supposed to contain education information, for example, but it talks about unrelated things, it makes sense that the site is not valid.
I used this information from a teacher I know in another school district in our state. Here is the web address:
http://www.fcps.edu/LutherJacksonMS/library/techtips/tips/website_validity_guideline.html
I guess my use of Wikipedia was a little bit unclear. I am not a big fan of Wikipedia either. I was using it as a comparison. I guess in my head I choose to go straight to an online source, before using most library sources, because most of the time I can find what I want, promptly on the internet. When I can't, then I know that a library is a great option.
ReplyDeleteI definitelyl teach my students that the internet can be a great tool, but also overwhelming. Using domains and authors, I try to assist my students in figuring out the validity of certain sites.
In my own experience, I generally do not go beyond the first several pages of what Google gives me, because of how overwhelming the options could be.
I agree that books are crucial. There is no way around that. However, free encyclopedias do allow users to narrow their search, and depending on the student, it might take seconds. I guess it is really a matter of opinion, because like it was stated above, some information does not change.
Thanks for the comments and suggestions!
Chris