I understand that Wikipedia and YouTube can be touchy sources to use in the classroom. I have had professors and teachers who have specifically said that Wikipedia cannot be considered a reliable source, and while I agree that that unreliable information can be posed on both Wikipedia and YouTube, I find myself going to these sites frequently to find answers to questions I may have. Often, I can find some piece of information on Wikipedia that I can then use to search for more reliable sites. I also look at the sources that are posted at the end of Wikipedia articles and then use those to try and determine if what I've read is credible.
I would let students use Wikipedia and YouTube as longs as they are able to find other sources that support what is on both of these sites. I think that both can be beneficial and as long as the information has been verified across multiple sources. YouTube can be especially helpful if someone is trying to learn how to do something, and needs to see a video or tutorial. In my eyes, both sites are useful as long as you are cautious of the information contained on them.
Our posts are very similar, I feel the same, I have used Wikipedia for quick answers and then gone on to other sources for confirmation. I would think that as long as we teach our students to do the same we would be alright.
ReplyDeleteMegan, I couldn't agree with you more. However, I do respect other educators' opinions, and a lot of them are anti-Wikipedia. But I'm with you on this one and as long as students are cross-referencing the information with other sources, then Wikipedia can be a great tool.
ReplyDeleteMegan, I agree with your post. Yes, some say that these sites are unreliable, but I visit both Wikipedia and You tube often, I even found a video on how to make a two strand bracelet for my daughter. What grade do you teach? How would you incorporate these sites in your lessons?
ReplyDeleteCurrently, I am not teaching. I completed my student teaching in a 5th grade classroom. However, I think these sites could be used by students if they began exploring topics for a paper they were going to write. Also, it's possible to find YouTube videos that relate to a lot of lessons and show them to students.
DeleteThat seems to be the common (and in my opinion, correct) opinion: use with caution, but support with other evidence as well.
ReplyDelete