Wikipedia VS Textbooks

Going into elementary education, I feel it would be much more difficult for younger students to ditch the textbook and learn straight from the internet. Elementary students could have a balance between the two, attempting to look up and read easier topics on Wiki or other sites, but then reading their stories from the textbook. With younger students it is not so much the research and details as much as comprehension and learning. In today’s society, I feel that Wikipedia could start being used to fill the gaps between textbooks and understanding.


On the other hand, my mind has definitely changed about Wikipedia. "NO WIKIPEDIA" was drilled into my head from sixth grade until now. I was told Wikipedia was fake, anyone can change it, and it's not a reliable or acceptable source. Now my opinions have been changed after watching Common Craft Wikipedia, and I feel that Wikipedia is a reliable source of information. For a Wiki page to be changed there must be citations; Every change to a Wiki page is monitored by professionals that keep a close eye on the page. Bias opinions are normally taken out and/or debated on.


I feel that middle schoolers and high schoolers should be looking more into internet learning than the "old school" textbook ways. As I read in A Textbook Example of What’s Wrong with Education, textbooks are written not by experts but by no one. Textbooks are put together by the entire company, and some have no idea what they are writing about. This is why textbooks are boring to many students. They aren't exciting and descriptive, they only scratch the surface of some very important topics. Wikipedia is a great way to look up something and dig deeper into the topic.

Wikipedia isn't perfect, but what website is? Textbooks have mistakes and are bias at times. It just depends on the way a person looks at things. More teachers should be looking at technology and how to integrate it with their teaching. Wikipedia is not only a reading website, but students can possibly edit and put their thoughts into a topic they really care about. This helps the students think in different and efficient ways. Textbooks should not be completely left out of the education system, but I do think technology sources, such as Wikipedia, should be brought more into the system. For young students who are still learning to read, write, comprehend, and understand it would be difficult forcing them straight into technology. Increased internet use in the classrooms will help students development in the future, and advance their technology skills.