How can community learning projects (such as Wikipedia) benefit primary education (K-12) in the United States? How can education be harmed by the increasing prevalence of such community oriented resources?
From Internet: Knowledge and Community
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Benefits to K-12 Education
Community learning projects could provide a much more local, personalized knowledge in K-12, instead of a standardized, nation-wide curriculum. This could be very beneficial to local engagement, understanding and action by youth in their local communities.
Harming K-12 Education
Community learning projects could potentially hinder K-12 students by taking out inter-personal learning that becomes necessary as an adult to accomplish almost anything. Students may be learning copious amounts from a screen, but that knowledge would have no use if there isn't a means for the student to use the knowledge in a practical way.
Response
The problem with user based information sites, such as Wikipedia, is that anyone with a user name can update and post information. From there any information submitted will be directly posted without any checking for accuracy. It's disclaimer page relieves the site of any responsibility of it's content. Students relying on Wikipedia and other collaborative learning sites run the risk of receiving false information.
To add on to what was said above about students learning copious amount from a screen, I think the instant gratification of being able to find information online within minutes will have negative effects on study habits. When a student has to look through books and work to find information they will be at a disadvantage.
Stephanie Kallwass
