A very eminent international scholar visiting us used a Wikipedia definition of x in one of his lectures. When challenged about this, he said he thought it was one of the best definitions he had read. I think the point is that the content is of very variable quality and the Wikipedia cannot be used as a badge of high or low quality.
Personally, I think Wikipedia can be a good point of departure and if students go from there to check orignal sources, then that is scholarly behaviour.
-----Original Message-----
From: learning development in higher education network on behalf of Christine Keenan
Sent: Thu 08/03/2007 14:25
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Using wikipedia
I've heard that the error rate in Wikipedia isn't too different to
Encyclopedia Britannica!
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: learning development in higher education network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Pat Hill
Sent: 08 March 2007 13:16
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Using wikipedia
Hi David
I'm not sure about the whole University but I know that in the
School of Music, Humanities and Media using Wikipedia seems to be akin
to using your Aunty Ethel's cousin's husband's anecdote as evidence,
judging by the moral indignation it evokes. My view is that it's not a
bad starting point if you want a way into a difficult topic but it can't
be quoted as a reliable source.
Regards
Pat
Pat Hill
Academic Skills Tutor
School of Music, Humanities and Media
Tel 01484 472170
Room WG20 West Building
University of Huddersfield
-----Original Message-----
From: learning development in higher education network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Donnarumma (Staff)
Sent: 08 March 2007 12:51
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Using wikipedia
Hello,
I came across the following article
(http://education.guardian.co.uk/elearning/story/0,,2028515,00.html
<http://education.guardian.co.uk/elearning/story/0,,2028515,00.html> )
which involves students writing for wikipedia - similar to the 'evolving
writing wiki'. An interesting way of getting students to develop their
writing, as what they produce is open to discussion by many people. I
think it really helps to develop students' reflective approach to
writing. Another interesting point is the growing acceptance of
wikipedia as a reference.
Has anybody else had an experience in developing
students' writing in this way? How acceptable is wikipedia as a
reference at universities?
Regards,
David
Brunel University
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