The Need for Information Literacy (3 Concepts)
- Internet firewalls won't work; people can send personal files to one another. It is too hard to monitor every action on the internet.
- Limiting digital freedoms engages cyber warfare. Cyber patriots try an break "the code."
- The internet and the real world have been seen as two separate spheres that need to become one world. Freedom of speech and information literacy should not have limitations on the internet.
Should Wikipedia be used as an information resource in school? Why or Why not?
- Should Wikipedia be the only information resource a child uses? no. However it could be used a great way to find references or to seek the truth. For most Wikipedia searches there is a "Reference" section. For example, my Algebra I class has been working with Quadratic equations- solving them, graphing them, factoring them, etc. If I go to Wikipedia and search "quadratic equation," this is what comes up. As a math teacher, I know that this information is correct. However, a students may want to check the references. Cross-referencing this source of information could actually be a very educational experience for the student.
I agree that the internet and the real world need to come together. I couldn't believe when I read that someone had been imprisoned for blogging their beliefs! Freedom of speech applies to the internet as well.
ReplyDeleteI would recommend students use the wikipedia references too, they list them out and they can follow the links. This is a great resource, all of the contributors have already done some research and found sources.
ReplyDeleteI've often used Wikipedia for further references. I'd never use it as an only source though. I have read some really interesting information in Wikipedia.
ReplyDeleteI'l like that your are recognizing Wikipedia as a resource that has potential to help students develop Information Literacy skills!
ReplyDeleteCross-checking resources and information is a wonderful start to this process! It is a information search habit that will serve students well in all walks of life!