Wikipedia and it's use in the school research mode

Using Wikipedia is a great source of information about so many subjects. Students often turn to Wikipedia for initial information about a particular subject. One thing I like about this site is that it gives linked sites that are detailed and tagged into specific areas. An example of this is my research into

Ole Kirk Christiansen (Why you might ask? Well, it so happens my yr 6 son is 'becoming' Ole Kirk Christiansen - the inventor of Lego, at his 'Day of Notables' in term 3 this year - I needed to see if he would be able to find enough information on this person to research) I found Wikipedia a great place to start.

Wikipedia
Biography-centre
Inventors
Godtfred Kirk Christiansen

The four searches above give the best information specific to what I was seeking, however, it also provides links in products, people, Legoland, events and other. These all have information or reference to Ole Kirk Christiansen.

This is a great way to assist students to find quick and appropriate links for research and information. You can use Wikipedia to assist with information for webquests and other research assessment pieces.

When students have the opportunity to research on their own and gather information they deem appropriate it is regarded as Student-Centered learning and can also fit within the pedegogical framework of Problem Based Learning.

Athough Wikipedia is a valuable source of information students must be provided with information, skills and encouraged to confirm all data gathered is correct. This too is an important life long skill of not just accepting what we read as accurate.