Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia with a worldwide collection of authors. There are more then 1.5 million entries. Anyone can submit an entry to Wikipedia. The website is managed by a staff of 1,000 volunteers who evaluate each entry and decide what gets posted. Wikipedia considers it a benefit to everyone to utilize an open and participatory process versus the traditional practices used in bound and printed encyclopedia. Many people worry that Wikipedia doesn't use recognized experts to serve as referees of the knowledge selection process.
What are your thoughts or concerns about Wikipedia?
Response by Tonja:
ReplyDeleteI have used Wikipedia many times and I wasn't aware that some of the information could be false or incomplete. I realize now that it is important to research and make sure it is accurate. It is nice to know that we can do a "fact check."
I have not had a lot of experience using Wikipedia. I think students are more likely to go to the Wikipedia website versus pull out a traditional encyclopedia. I think the benefits to open communication out ways any concerns people should have. Their process of allowing people to dispute information should be enough to satisfy any critics.
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