Well, let me start by saying that I've had instructors tell me that Wikipedia was NOT a resource that could be used in a research project. I've often heard that ANYONE could post something to Wikipedia, thereby, making it an UNRELIABLE resource.
The news.cnet.com website gave me a different point of view. They showed that while Wikipedia made errors, so did more reputable websites, like Britannica.com. Also, Wikipedia was shown to be pretty accurate overall.
Although ANYONE can post something on YouTube, it IS a resource that I use myself at times. I look at YouTube as more of a social/entertainment website than an informational website. (Although I know that you CAN find useful information on this website). I've used YouTube videos as part of presentations and cited them in my resources.
My district, DPS, blocks YouTube websites. This is a little frustrating at times, because there are some things that I would like my students to view that they aren't able to. However, I do understand that because of the nature of YouTube (it's a "public" website that is not really censored), this has to be done.
I would allow my students to use both YouTube and Wikipedia as "A" resource (one resource), not their ONLY resource. Both of these websites can provide useful and valid information. However, due to the nature of these websites, supporting websites/resources would have to be used.
Gwen, I really enjoyed reading your response and totally understand your views. My district also blocks both sites however they are both good tools to teach your students to verify all information they find on the website. I think it also has a lot of information that can be very educational, students just have to verify all information they utilize.
ReplyDeleteI like the site @Weareteachers because it is a online forum so teachers can share their success and also a place for teachers to share their frustration.
I guess I can see why districts jump the gun on blocking websites (so students won't distract themselves by looking up things not related to academics or looking up inappropriate materials), but Youtube is definitely a useful tool and Wikipedia as well (as long as a student knows how to utilize it properly), so school districts should know that these are tools that are beneficial, not harmful to students' education.
DeleteHi Andrea,
DeleteYou know, I thought about something. The one thing that websites like Wikipedia and YouTube show students is that just because something is on the internet, doesn't make it true.
So often students, (adult students as well), copy and paste things and think that they are accurate just because they came from the web.
Teaching students early on that this is not the case and to use more than one source of information is crucial.
Jumping in late here, just responding to Andrea that you brought up a good point about students using Wikipedia to retrieve information, but that they must always verify it. But isn't that what we must do anyway with everything? Face value just doesn't work anymore, you must verify.
DeleteHi Gwen,
ReplyDeleteI understand that occasionally, Britannica is an actual encyclopedia and has been around for awhile. Mistakes can be made by the researchers and I'm sure the mistakes are corrected when they are pointed out. With Wikipedia, anyone can edit. Although they do have set standards and a deletion process if the articles aren't up to standards, anyone can put anything on anyone's Wikipedia page. (or any Wikipedia page). As a starting point, if someone wanted to look up something on George Washington for example, then yes, it would be a useful tool for a student. Wikipedia would have links to outside resources and articles (scholarly articles) that the student should use. Wikipedia should not be directly quoted.
Youtube is definitely a great site for presentations and allowing students to present on Youtube is a great idea in the classroom.
Hi Erica,
DeleteI also think that students should be able to use Wikipedia (just not as a main resource). I think that students should be exposed to a variety of websites(including Wikipedia), so that they can see what it is about for themselves.
In regards to YouTube, I think that it can be a great educational tool. I just wish there was a way to filter out some of the things that are not appropriate for school so that students would be able to use this tool on school premises.
Gwen I agree that is why I allow them to use both YouTube and Wikipedia as well as find at least two other sources that validate their information. I also feel that it is crucial to know the difference.
ReplyDeleteThe thing is that with Web 2.0, we have the ability to self-police. Before, there were only a few news sources and we had to trust them. It's a trade-off: we have more good AND bad information, but we can also help to correct the bad information and spread the correct information.
ReplyDelete