Academic credibility of Wikipedia
Tony Gonzalez
Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: News
Professors light up at the mention of Wikipedia, whether they support or criticize the seemingly ubiquitous site.
Assistant Professor of English Justin Jackson said he uses the site often for personal searches, but maintains more critical thoughts about its academic validity.
"There are fine scholars who write on Wikipedia," Jackson said. "[But] I would not accept anything in a serious paper from Wikipedia."
Jackson said there can be fun and responsibility in "consuming" information. He finds himself wary of "anything with a sense of sides." Jackson appreciates how Wikipedia slashes research time on simple topics, and said he often wishes students would consult the site for basic facts instead of bogging down classes. Students can also follow up after lectures, or during lectures, on the site.
"There's something about encyclopedic knowledge that works into a liberal arts college," Jackson said.
President Larry Arnn applauded the Wikipedia endeavor.
"There's something great about the Internet that many people can cooperate to make something great," Arnn said.
But, like Jackson, Arnn said facts on Wikipedia must be verified. He said mischief, malice and verification must accompany Wikipedia searches.
Jackson said the site can lack nuance, but often provides an easy straw man argument for him to combat in class. He also warns students of misinformation in anticipation of student searches.
"I originally thought it was kind of flaky," said Lorna Holmes, professor of classics.
But recent reading has brought her around on the site, she said, although she still avoids the site for academic topics. Instead, her typical search would be something more mundane, like the history of Galveston, Texas.
Dinner table debates
Assistant Professor of English Justin Jackson calls himself an "information nerd."
Jackson, for example, said he used Wikipedia to find updated information regarding the documentary "King of Kong," about world champion Donkey Kong arcade game players.
"The fact that it exists allows me to look up crazy things," Jackson said.
He said Wikipedia is especially adept at ending household debates with his wife, Gina.
President Larry Arnn agreed: "It's sort of the ultimate answer to the dinner table [discussion]."
Recent searches
Professor Justin Jackson: Guitar Hero, director John Hughes, Donkey Kong world champion Billy Mitchell
President Larry Arnn: composer Edward Elgar, actor Hywel Bennett
Professor Lorna Holmes: Galveston, Texas.
Assistant Professor of English Justin Jackson said he uses the site often for personal searches, but maintains more critical thoughts about its academic validity.
"There are fine scholars who write on Wikipedia," Jackson said. "[But] I would not accept anything in a serious paper from Wikipedia."
Jackson said there can be fun and responsibility in "consuming" information. He finds himself wary of "anything with a sense of sides." Jackson appreciates how Wikipedia slashes research time on simple topics, and said he often wishes students would consult the site for basic facts instead of bogging down classes. Students can also follow up after lectures, or during lectures, on the site.
"There's something about encyclopedic knowledge that works into a liberal arts college," Jackson said.
President Larry Arnn applauded the Wikipedia endeavor.
"There's something great about the Internet that many people can cooperate to make something great," Arnn said.
But, like Jackson, Arnn said facts on Wikipedia must be verified. He said mischief, malice and verification must accompany Wikipedia searches.
Jackson said the site can lack nuance, but often provides an easy straw man argument for him to combat in class. He also warns students of misinformation in anticipation of student searches.
"I originally thought it was kind of flaky," said Lorna Holmes, professor of classics.
But recent reading has brought her around on the site, she said, although she still avoids the site for academic topics. Instead, her typical search would be something more mundane, like the history of Galveston, Texas.
Dinner table debates
Assistant Professor of English Justin Jackson calls himself an "information nerd."
Jackson, for example, said he used Wikipedia to find updated information regarding the documentary "King of Kong," about world champion Donkey Kong arcade game players.
"The fact that it exists allows me to look up crazy things," Jackson said.
He said Wikipedia is especially adept at ending household debates with his wife, Gina.
President Larry Arnn agreed: "It's sort of the ultimate answer to the dinner table [discussion]."
Recent searches
Professor Justin Jackson: Guitar Hero, director John Hughes, Donkey Kong world champion Billy Mitchell
President Larry Arnn: composer Edward Elgar, actor Hywel Bennett
Professor Lorna Holmes: Galveston, Texas.
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