Ed-Tech list members,
In our efforts to teach students "original writing" we focus on a number of issues. One new issue being faced by teachers is: when can students appropriately use Wikipedia as a source? Wikipedia seems to have replaced Google as the first search location for many students. If you have never used Wikipedia, go there now (www.wikipedia.com) and search for information on your discipline. If you don't have anything to search for, take a look at the "2006 FIFA World Cup" pages, or the "University of Miami" pages.
The presentation is very effective, there are extensive links to related information, and current topics are updated almost instantly. Of course, on the down side, all the information could be wrong, and the author may be unattributed. So, when, if ever, should students use Wikipedia for research, and when, if ever, should they cite material from Wikipedia as their source?
Kaironews: A Weblog for Discussing Rhetoric, Technology and Pedagogy, has one persons statement on Appropriate Uses of Wikipedia. It does a great job of differentiating between primary/original sources and general information. You might find it interesting reading, and useful as you are creating your new syllabi and assignments for the Fall. You might even want to include the link below in your course web site or syllabus.
Knowledge is changing and how we access it is also changing. We need to help our students as they go through the normal development of a college student and the unique development of a student growing up in today's world.
Bill Vilberg
Assoc. Dir. of Instructional Advancement
305-284-3944
