Wikipedia- To Use or Not to Use

Wikipedia has long been stigmatized as the anti-source when it comes to research, but if you're like me, it's the first place you refer to when seeking answers.  And that's okay!  I have long held the belief that Wikipedia is an acceptable starting point when it comes to research.  It should not be the only point, however.

First, some background information:  The name Wikipedia is derived from the Hawaiian word "wikiwki" meaning "quick" and the English word "encyclopedia".  The site is exactly that: a free site where anyone can quickly add content on any given topic.  It's understandable why it is FORBIDDEN by so many teachers, but I hope as you read on you might reconsider that.  When Wikipedia first came out in 2001, anyone could put anything on any site, and the pages were often "vandalized" with inaccurate content.  Times have changed, however, and nowadays each page is assigned to multiple editors and those editors are consistently fact-checking and monitoring the pages so that they ensure accuracy.  Particularly sensitive topics are closed to editing completely.  Anyone that wants to add content to a Wikipedia page must register for an account, and thus is never anonymous.

How can I use Wikipedia in the classroom?

It is in fact, an online encyclopedia, so Edumemic suggests using the site for the following:

1. As a starting point for research:  Students can use this page as a jumping off point.  They may also find other, credible sources linked to that page.  They should not cite it as a source, but can get their feet wet.
2. To teach lessons on validating material: Since students are using Wikipedia as a starting point for the research, have them fact-check certain pieces of information across a variety of sources.
3. To analyze citations:  Most pages have good citations on them that link to other sites, but some are not well-cited.  Have students look for the poor citations and discuss what constitutes a well-written citation.
4. In media bias lessons:  One negative about the site is that the editors were found to be 90% male.  Have students look for pages that seem particularly gender-biased, racially-biased, or politically tilted one way or another.

Education World suggests this for a classroom activity:

Have older students fact-check a Wikipedia page by comparing it to its cited sources as well as other sources. They should note any inaccuracies or areas that could be improved. Set up a Wikipedia login for the class, keeping in mind that when using an open-source site, you will need to take Internet safety precautions very seriously. Ask kids to edit the page to make corrections and enhancements, including appropriate citations. This can be a powerful activity for teaching information literacy lessons about citations, plagiarism, Internet safety and judging the quality/reliability of online content.

So my challenge to you when it's time for your next research assignment, don't tell students they can't use Wikipedia.  Do tell them they can't cite it as a source and make sure they understand what Wikipedia is all about.

And now for something really cool!

Hatnote is a site where you can listen to the changes being made to Wikipedia in real time.  Bells indicate additions and string plucks indicate subtractions. Pitch changes according to the size of the edit; the larger the edit, the deeper the note. Green circles show edits from unregistered contributors, and purple circles mark edits performed by automated bots. You may see announcements for new users as they join the site, punctuated by a string swell. It's very soothing!

Ronan, Amanda. "A Teacher's Guide to Wikipedia." Edudemic. N.p., 28 July 2015. Web. 15 Sept. 2016.

Tomaszewski, Jason. "To Use or Not to Use: Wikipedia in the Classroom." Education World:. N.p., 2012. Web. 15 Sept. 2016.