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PLUG-INs Information Literacy @ Fujairah CollegesAbout WIKIS
What is a WIKI ?
A WIKI is a website that invites anybody to create pages.Or, add
content.Or, edit content.
It is like a free encyclopediaSometimes, a WIKI is a good place
to start a search. You can find the terminology & general
information on a subject.
BUT, How do you know if there is bias?How do you know the
authors qualifications ?How do you know if the information is
true?
An inconvenient truth is that almost any product or source will
include errors. And, every writer has biases and preferences.
Vandalism can happen. Writers can change true statements to
untrue statements.Not every writer on a WIKI is well-meaning or
fair. For example, a writer might hate the ruler of a country and
write untrue things about him.
People who like WIKIs say that the community of users can catch
errors and bias and correct them.
But, there is no guarantee that what is written in a WIKI is
true.
Wikipedia tries to make sure the content is true.Sometimes you
see these words: The neutrality of this section is disputed.
Sometimes you see these words: Editing disabled because of
vandalism.
Wikipedia states that content must be verifiable and must not
violate copyright.Sometimes Wikipedia says, This article does not
cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by
adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be
challenged and removed.
Sometimes you see : This article may require cleanup to meet
Wikipedia's quality standards.Wikipedia invites readers to
help.
For example . . .
Wikipedia asks the readers, Please help improve this article or
section by expanding it.
So, you know that this is probably not the best source of
information.
Should we use a WIKI or not ?A WIKI should not be your only
source or your primary source of information.
As with anything on the Internet, you must be careful. Try to
tell the difference between facts, opinions, partial lies and
complete lies.
To conclude, sometimes it is OK to use a WIKI at the beginning
of your research to find out some general information.But, a WIKI
is not a substitute for all the wonderful books and resources in
your library.
We hope this helps you understand WIKIs.Ask your teacher or your
friendly librarian if you have any questions.HAPPY READING !
