c1L07 - Information source Wikipedia
Information source Wikipedia
In this exercise, learners are asked to engage with the Wikipedia platform as a source of information.
Preparation
All you need for preparation is a PC and an Internet connection. Alternatively, this exercise can also take place on a tablet or smartphone.
Method / Process description
As part of the exercise, the participants are to research individual aspects of Wikipedia. The participants should research individual topics one after the other in groups and then form an opinion about them in an open discussion. The individual topics can be researched one after the other by the whole group or in parallel in individual groups.
Introduction:
- How reliable do the participants consider information on Wikipedia to be?
- How often do participants use Wikipedia as a source of information compared to other sources?
Topic 1: Structure and functioning of Wikipedia
- How is Wikipedia structured? Who is allowed to write and edit articles?
- Who decides what information is published on Wikipedia and what is not?
Topic 2: Edit wars
- What is behind the term "edit war"? For help:
- What impact do edit wars have on the quality of Wikipedia?
Topic 2: Wikipedia as a source of information
- Research examples of misinformation on Wikipedia.
- Collect at least 3 cases of misinformation and assess them according to their possible impact.
- List of hoaxes: (en) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:List_of_hoaxes_on_Wikipedia
- What are the implications of these cases for the credibility of Wikipedia?
Conclusion:
- Have the participants' perceptions of Wikipedia changed as a result of the observations they have made? And why?
- What common rules can be established for the future use of Wikipedia as a source of information?
Download material
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References
Short facts
| Target group | Adults & young people |
|---|---|
| Setting | Group or individual work |
| Time | 30 min. |
| Material |
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