Wikipedia




 * Christie, Kaylie, Kyle**
 * Possible Resources**
 * []**


 * http://www.suite101.com/content/wikipedias-impact-on-education-a68752**

what is the influence of wikipedia?
 * kaylie's script:**


 * too many different kinds of ppl
 * too broad
 * focus on students
 * we are students
 * more relevant

We observed that it’s popular -who uses wiki here?

Which kind of student uses wikipedia?
 * have access to the internet

Why is it popular?
 * free as in accessing the wikipedia
 * internet has a low cost
 * easily reached
 * low cost of participation
 * don’t have to register to participate
 * user-friendly
 * clear instructions
 * where to type search words, etc

Is the influence to users good?
 * here is a list of pros and cons

PROS 1.more reliable
 * use the net anyways
 * 有wiki, 不去random sites.
 * 1) increase motivation
 * more interesting than reading reference bks in the library.
 * more willing to look for additional information


 * 1) increase efficiency
 * easier to search (over bks)
 * an online bk of knowledge/info in most areas
 * as in bks... (find diff. bks)


 * 1) stimulate communication
 * learning relies on the ability to form networks with each other.
 * a platform to communicate
 * easily connect and share
 * leading to conversations
 * more fruitful communication than class discussion
 * ppl from different places, backgrounds
 * have different perspectives, thoughts, views

Cons
 * 1) plagiarism
 * won’t rmb to acknowledge wiki/ search for the source of the content
 * didn’t mean to plagiarize, but still...

- eg. Uni ban!
 * 1) Cause confusion
 * students are told not to use wiki as a resource
 * a collection of info from others
 * use wiki to find sources
 * not use wiki as a source
 * cannot be primary source
 * primary source may need a considerable background knowledge to be able to read and understand
 * hard to recognize whether the content is copied from other source, or original

After discussion of editing and influence, we have a case study to act as a wrap up and to lead to some interesting discussion questions.

Case study

**Vernon Kay denies death claim following Wikipedia vandalism**

- television celebrity
 * wiki page hacked
 * started a rumour that he is dead
 * detailed death
 * drowned in a tragic yachting accident in Greece
 * his funeral would be held on a Fri in 2008 Sep.
 * in fact, filming a short show for a television broadcast

Cause
 * high accessibility
 * no verified sources

Effects
 * vandalism
 * defamation

- Victim feels bad
 * cause misunderstanding
 * producer of the show would be confused
 * fans confused