Wikipedia and School

The genetic fallacy, appeal to authority, and the real reason why educators by and large are AGAINST Wikipedia.

Try substituting "freedom", "the internet", or any other flavor. Post your ideas in the comments!

If you missed me during my hiatus from this channel, view my other videos on my other channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/thecaster2#p/u

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[dimsho]

@kokobaboko You are incorrect. Wikipedia is an amazing source for knowledge. I wouldn't cite it in a paper because teachers don't view it as an acceptable source for reasons Mac has stated in his video. This doesn't mean it isn't credible.

Mac's quote of Feynman was used to support his points, as is any source. He wasn't using an appeal to authority because he wasn't saying that what Feynman said trumps all others, but was simply presenting what he said in light of his prior arguments.

[Elekari]

I completely agree. They tell me not to use Wikipedia, and I do, and I get in trouble. If they're going to punish us for researching, they're failing as educators. They're basically teaching us to have others think for us. We hardly even think for ourselves anymore in the public education system. They outlaw certain resources just because they don't have a fancy title to go along with it.

[annaomeara]

This is great. I also write for Wikipedia : I consider it an intellectual responsibility to write for it, not simply to liberate myself by having the *opportunity* to provide information, but also to provide free information to others on subjects that I think are important. What you say about "monopolies of power" in education is compelling.

[MrAudiovideodisco]

The internet in general is not a good place to get reliable information.

If you want to learn about a very specific subject then a book is the only real way to do it, unless you want to go back to college for every subject you ever take an interest in.

The internet is the place you go to get as many opinions as possible, and while wikipedia is pretty reliable by internet standards you will always find false or biased information there.

[sexycocoa19]

wikipedia is not reliable at all in my opinion its just full of everyday normal ppl opinions and they have no way of backing it up i hate that website.Everybody believe whatever it tells them like some weak minded children who cant think for themselves, no offence to anyone thats just how i feel

[pishposhcrydaisey]

FAIL. You did not provide references for your evidence. FAIL. You haven't given credit to the source, that is theft of intellectual property. FAIL. I don't award marks to people that attack the institution that provides me with this comfortable job, easy lifestyle and authority. FAIL. Just who do you think you are with all your big ideas?

BULLSHIT

[artaddiction101]

i think wikipedia is a great place to begin your research but a bad place to end it. i know this because of all the A papers i've written.

[mrbunnylamakins]

I use Wikipedia as a reference point to look up other resources I never knew before.

[TheRavenOfPoe]

Hear, hear! Well said, Mac. I've been frustrated by this very same issue :)

There are luckily some educators who see the value of sites like Wikipedia. There is a wonderful program which gives computers to under resourced schools in rural Africa. There is no internet access available in these schools, so the computers are provided with a downloaded snapshot of the most current Wikipedia at that time, as well as out-of-copyright books that are available online at the time.

[PocketFire]

man I used to watch this kids videos all the time and look up to him so much. now I realize hes an arrogant stupid silly man