Wickipedia
I refuse to use Wikipedia as a source in anything I write. I do use it to find a starting place for my research. I know people who change things on wiki just for fun. Personally, I think that is ridiculous. I believe that the initial intention of the site was to be educational, but it has turned into something that cannot be trusted. The fact that "anyone" can edit it should be the first red flag!
I found it interesting that you can't really hide anything on the internet because almost everything can be traced by IP addresses. I know people get frustrated when some "wise guy" comes along and either deletes the true facts or adds in pointless knowledge, but they need to realize that it comes with an open access site. If anyone can change it, than almost anyone will. So, wither lock it so it cannot be changed or be prepared to change it back multiple times.
"What I've Learned This Year" By Mr. McClung
Mr. McClung wrote a wonderful post about what teachers often forget in a classroom. He gives great pointers including my favorite "NO LESSON IS EVER PERFECT. THE LESSON YOU TEACH AND THE ONE YOU PLAN ARE ALWAYS DIFFERENT." Everything happens for a reason, and what cannot be covered one day can always be covered the next. What's important is a students understanding of the material that is gone over. If a child cannot comprehend what you are saying then you need to fix it, another point made by Mr. McClung. He did a great job just reminding educators to listen to their students and be willing to learn something new everyday. I'm so glad I was assigned this post to read, and I will definitely be sharing it with teachers and tutors that I know.
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I use Wikipedia the same, as a starting point. I had been told this resource was not reliable but it was not until this blog that I knew why and that anyone can go in and change information. This totally changed how I will handle information that I retrieve from this source. As for Mr, McClung, WONDERFUL. Very inspiring for me and I have already shared. I sub when I have a chance and it is so very true, you have this great activity planned out and it never goes as you plan yet you smile and keep going and it always seems to work out:)
ReplyDeleteWikipedia is a good starting place. I agree that if I were in school I would not cite Wikipedia as a source - not because of the likelihood that Wikipedia is incorrect, but rather because most faculty are highly prejudiced against Wikipedia and refuse to see its usefulness. I use Wikipedia all the time. I am just cautious with living persons/entities/corporations. Generally, Wikipedia is an excellent, quick resource. You just have to keep your eyes open and your brain on. EVERYONE has a slant they are trying to sell you. Even me. So question everything!
ReplyDeleteMr. McClung is a great friend. We will probably have a Skype session with him this semester to see how Year 2 is continuing.
Dr. Strange, I will be looking forward to maybe having a in class Skype session with Mr. McClung. He seems like someone a future educator could learn a lot from.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, during my college career so far I have learned that how I learned to research in high school will just not cut it. There Wikipedia was okay, here it's like the plague, especially if your cite it. I think it is an effective tool if you are stumped on a topic. Just take everything you read into consideration, and look for conflicting research.
Thank you for reading my blog!
I agree with you about Wikipedia!!!! I started using it until high school. After that, I have never used it again because of the fact that facts are always changing in the wikipedia. I also agree that Mr. McClung made a great point about the lessons that teachers planned and the lessons teachers teached are different. That same concept worked in performances. At least that is how I see it. The way I perform at competitions will be different from the way I perform at dance recitals. Different pressure, different day, and different audience will affect that. In the case of educcation, only the time and material will affect the way you teach. Great Blog!!!!
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