Wiki’s have become more acceptable with the advancement of technology. When I am trying to find general background information on a topic, my first stop is looking at Wikipedia. I think this is a useful tool to get quick information. I have not edited a Wiki myself, but I think the idea that the information can be changed or edited by anyone is exciting. It allows people, all people, to lend their knowledge on a subject. The topics that are on Wikipedia are endless because anyone with an interest on a topic can create a page. This makes a vast amount of information available.
I have never found false information on Wikipedia, but that doesn’t mean I don’t fact check. This is one of the main reasons why I never use Wikipedia as a reference on a scholarly article, but I think it is a great tool to help start the research process. Reading about a topic on Wikipedia allows students to get a general understanding, formulate questions about the topic, and brainstorm ideas for where further research is needed. As long as students are aware that anyone can edit Wikipedia, so all facts stated should be referenced by outside sources, then I think Wikipedia is a great asset to the classroom.
I also like the idea of using Wiki’s to collaborate between people. Many times I have had to spend time searching for an email with edits for a document. This is a waste of time. If an individual creates a Wiki, changes are automatic. This increases productivity as well as keeping inboxes less cluttered. At my current position we are creating an athletic training policy manual and I think that the use of a Wiki will be very beneficial to the collaborating process. I feel that this would also be beneficial when students work in groups to write an essay. A Wiki would allow each student to add his or her input without all group members being present or endless emails being sent.
I have never found false information on Wikipedia, but that doesn’t mean I don’t fact check. This is one of the main reasons why I never use Wikipedia as a reference on a scholarly article, but I think it is a great tool to help start the research process. Reading about a topic on Wikipedia allows students to get a general understanding, formulate questions about the topic, and brainstorm ideas for where further research is needed. As long as students are aware that anyone can edit Wikipedia, so all facts stated should be referenced by outside sources, then I think Wikipedia is a great asset to the classroom.
I also like the idea of using Wiki’s to collaborate between people. Many times I have had to spend time searching for an email with edits for a document. This is a waste of time. If an individual creates a Wiki, changes are automatic. This increases productivity as well as keeping inboxes less cluttered. At my current position we are creating an athletic training policy manual and I think that the use of a Wiki will be very beneficial to the collaborating process. I feel that this would also be beneficial when students work in groups to write an essay. A Wiki would allow each student to add his or her input without all group members being present or endless emails being sent.