The ongoing debate, and great knashing of teeth, regarding the merits of college students'
reliance on
Wikipedia as a valid resource tool strikes at the foundation of academic and intellectual integrity. Moreover, the discussion probes the issue of adapting new learning technologies within an established research model. It is clear, however, that this debate will not cool in the near future; rather, the questions addressing reliability, access and expert creation and review need to be rectified if college students, and their professors, proceed in clear and meaningful research endeavors.
My
Global Impact of Social Media students at Ashland University recently examined this concern. Responses to the questions of Wikipedia
merit as a research venue were enlightening and frightening. Students enjoyed the speed and access employed by Wikipedia listings. They felt that the descriptive language in references was easy to follow and not too wordy. However, they had no problem with the unaccounted citations (citation needed icon) found in almost every listing. Some used the Wikipedia
source as their only measure of information and they did not seek to follow the multiple listed citiations as platforms for further enveloping knowledge.
What can be concluded? As professors we must work to establish guidelines for Wikipedia use and tests of reliability when our students begin academic research. We are their best mentors and role models.
