When it comes to using the internet as a credible resource credibly is going to have to be proven. These resources are go for finding information fast, but they have to be checked since anyone can post anything on any subject. I do use Wikipedia and YouTube in my class and I do let the my students use them as well. The thing I do is I research these resources with two other sources. I make my students do the same, plus they have to site the other sources. I do feel that if three sources all state the same thing it most like can be used as a credible reference.
I like your credibility check process. It makes perfect sense and perhaps some of us do this without thinking about it. Continuing to check the sources also leads to deeper methods of research and often leads to even more interesting data on your topic. This method also teaches the students best practices when it comes to data on the internet. This brings to mind the State Farm "French Model" commercial. A quick story if you'll indulge me... last summer in an interview the gentleman interviewing me had not reviewed my resume. He decided to Google me while I was sitting there. He looked up panicked and said "you don't come up in Google". I looked at him straight faced and said "well, I'm a French model." Kind of silly I know but, it proves the point, do your research.
ReplyDeleteYes I do remember that commercial. Her quote was "its on the internet it must be true ".
DeleteDouble checking credibility is also a great way review the same information multiple times in different ways, which could increase the chances that the student will remember the information. Also, if differences do arise, students will have the opportunity to think critically and determine which is true. It allows them to determine the author's purpose, text-structure, and other features of credible sources.
ReplyDeleteYes, the more they do something the better they get at doing their research and understand they must check their sources for accuracy.
DeleteI think the fact that you have the student's check Wikipedia by comparing them to other sources is a great idea. And I understand that both Wikipedia and YouTube is a great source. But the fact that a source has to be checked and evaluated each times makes the source loose credibility. It's like we're saying ok this may be a good source but just in case check it with a real source. It seems to be a bad way to teach our students to do research. Why do we even allow it, why not just go straight to the reliable source and skip the "maybe it'll be reliable" source. I already know the answer, because its quick and that what our student's know. That doesn't mean I have to like it...ok enough of my rant, lol
ReplyDeleteThat would be a great idea, but the students are going to Google it and call it good. We all know this is what they do. The problem is we as teacher do not teach them earlier so when they get into high school their set in their ways. We are just passing the buck from grade to grade.
DeleteCareful with that comment, Jerry. "It's not my problem; it should be done earlier," is a common complaint from college and employers on down to kindergarten teachers (who say it about pre-school and parenting). I'm not disagreeing with your statement; it's just that many people think they have 'more important' things to teach and the students should know all these skills by the time they get to ME/YOU!
DeleteI think that we can all agree that ultimately, Wikipedia is not always a credible resource. Tracie brings up a good point that we should maybe just start with educating our students on how to go straight to researching with the scholarly sources...
ReplyDeleteThe same thing I said to Tracie's post. We need to start earlier and hold them to those high standards. This is a bigger problem then us, it is an educational system problem. Just maybe if we held the students accountable for their actions and not the teacher accountable for their students action will things change.
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