Blog Post # 3: Learning Connections: What? Wikipedia in History Class?

The article, “Learning Connections: What? Wikipedia in History Class?” discusses a teacher’s experience of using Wikipedia in his history class. He requires this for several reasons. It shows students the differences between “fact only writing and analytical writing” and it also familiarizes the kids with research methods. Most importantly, using Wikipedia in the classroom teaches the students about digital responsibility and shows them which work is acceptable to use and which is not. The teacher sets specific guidelines for his students including picking a topic, laying the groundwork (which includes contributing 500 words to the article), monitoring and improving the article (if anyone changes or adds to the article they must connect with the users to make sure the article is completely factual), researching the material (using different sources, etc.), writing and formatting the article (using the “How to Edit a Wikipedia Article” page), and finally publishing and participating. His ultimate goal in implementing the Wikipedia project is to portray the Internet, Wikipedia specifically, in a different and more positive light. Again, this project also helps students with their research techniques and learning how to use the Web more efficiently.

I thought this article was extremely eye opening. Usually Wikipedia has such a negative connotation, especially from teachers. Showing students how to use the site properly will only improve the site’s credibility and also shows students the correct use of sourcing Internet sites. I thought it was so intriguing that he says this is consistently one of the most successful projects he has his students do. To me, it makes sense that it is because it is so interactive yet teaches the kids responsibility and researching techniques for the Internet. He brings up a good point stating that, “it shows students the difference between fact-only writing and analytical writing, it introduces research methods, and it gives them more insight into the workings of Wikipedia, so they understand why they should or should not use it in various situations.” I also thought setting specific guidelines for his students was helpful so they didn’t get off course.

            This article clearly highlights NETS standard research and information fluency as well as digital citizenship. By allowing students to explore Wikipedia, one of the most controversial research sites on the Web, they are learning the practice of legal and ethical behavior along with how to plan strategies, locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from  a variety of sources and media (as stated in NETS number three). I think both of these NETS are extremely important for students to practice because it will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Boggs, J. (2010). Learning Connections: What? Wikipedia in History Class? 38(4).