Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, is becoming more popular every day (Polk, Johnston, Evers, 2015, p.92). It can give a wealth of information easily to anyone who wishes to learn about a topic. However, concerns have risen about its use in research for schools. In the article “Wikipedia Use in Research: Perceptions in Secondary Schools” by Tracy Polk of Worcester Preparatory School, Melissa Johnston of the University of Alabama, and Stephanie Evers of the University of South Alabama, researches the way teachers, librarians, and library staff perceive Wikipedia and its use in public education. Polk, Johnston, and Evers define “research” as “any information that students seek to complete their papers, homework, and other assignments,
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Their study was conducted among teachers and librarians from secondary schools. The overwhelming majority of the participants, 91%, “indicated that there was no [Wikipedia] policy in their school”, but only 41% felt the need for a Wikipedia policy (Polk, Johnston, Evers, 2015, p.99). Over half thought that Wikipedia had a mixed effect in schools, with some saying “Students have to realize that not all information on Wikipedia is correct;” (Polk, Johnston, Evers, 2015, p.100). The study showed that less than half of all those surveyed felt a policy was necessary, suggesting “teachers may have a limited understanding of Wikipedia and how it can be used in research” (Polk, Johnston, Evers, 2015, p.101). Polk, Johnston, and Evers conclude that instead of not using Wikipedia, students “need to be taught the skills to utilize it in an effective way” (Polk, Johnston, Evers, 2015, p.101). Though there is a large amount of uncertainty with teachers and librarians, they claim the study indicates that Wikipedia can be useful for education in the
Their study was conducted among teachers and librarians from secondary schools. The overwhelming majority of the participants, 91%, “indicated that there was no [Wikipedia] policy in their school”, but only 41% felt the need for a Wikipedia policy (Polk, Johnston, Evers, 2015, p.99). Over half thought that Wikipedia had a mixed effect in schools, with some saying “Students have to realize that not all information on Wikipedia is correct;” (Polk, Johnston, Evers, 2015, p.100). The study showed that less than half of all those surveyed felt a policy was necessary, suggesting “teachers may have a limited understanding of Wikipedia and how it can be used in research” (Polk, Johnston, Evers, 2015, p.101). Polk, Johnston, and Evers conclude that instead of not using Wikipedia, students “need to be taught the skills to utilize it in an effective way” (Polk, Johnston, Evers, 2015, p.101). Though there is a large amount of uncertainty with teachers and librarians, they claim the study indicates that Wikipedia can be useful for education in the