Revisiting Wikipedia: Experts, Education & Evaluating Evidence

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An excellent article on minds.com about the limitations and downfalls of wikipedia

 

Revisiting Wikipedia: Experts, Education & Evaluating Evidence

HAKSAYNGAUG 14, 2018, 8:03:11 AM
 

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Wikipedia was to me something like a direct knowledge pipeline. Without the intermediary of lectures, grades, or commutes (not to mention social interaction), a simple keyword search could offer an evening of discovery. 

When Wikipedia wasn’t particularly well-known, the (relatively) early adapters who made use of it suddenly became ultra-erudite flâneurs of the Interwebs (at least in their own minds), scholars of the finest grade among plebeian peers. I first experienced this in the late 2000s, though I’m pretty sure there are many of you who experienced these “powers” earlier.

Whereas “normal students” might have to visit the library for some information, Wikipedia gave resourceful students super powers in the ‘Language Arts,’ ‘Social Studies,’ or wherever else synthesizing coherent (enough) positions was demanded [1]. 

Even when the graders caught on to the fact that many students weren’t practicing research methods, but were just lazily repeating views they found on Wikipedia, cleverness found a way out:

It’s easy! Just because we aren’t allowed to cite Wikipedia doesn’t mean we can’t use Wikipedia’s citations! 

Scroll… scroll.. scroll..

Ahhh. I see! There we go, finding five ‘academic sources’ wasn’t so hard at all. Didn’t even have to go to the library. ^_^

 

 

Finding sources for school papers 

Fast-forward to the Obama years. Going through school, Millennials, both Wiki-reading and not, had by-in-large failed to acquire skills in evaluating reason in arguments and the sources of evidence.

The growth of the Internet put in front of us the temptation for limitless knowledge. Without a cost? I, for one, donated to Wikipedia a couple of times in gratitude for the convenience and eye-opening infos it had allowed me to access.

Alas, I now realize the cost for relying heavily on Wikipedia was not just a matter of shekels. Many of us had already “paid” for Wikipedia our ability to criticially filter.  Trusting the smarties to sort out what was good and true, we relied on Wikipedia…

 

Read the rest of the article here

Reflection on Proverbs 31:10-31

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Scripture

Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last,

but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

Observation

The book of Proverbs ends with a poem celebrating the ideal wife. A virtuous and capable wife is more precious than rubies.

The ideal wife is hard working, successful in business and able to order her household. She spins thread, makes clothes and always speaks wisely. She is truly a person of talent and integrity.

Application

While many women aspire to the title of “Proverbs 31 Woman,” and many men aspire to catch one, this is clearly an idealised version of an upper class woman in a very different setting to our own.

There are several qualities that women and men should still aim for in God’s grace.

1. To be virtuous. This is about doing what is good and godly as a reflex action. We no longer need to ask “What would Jesus do?” because following the way of Jesus has become automatic. In most situations we don’t need to pray because God’s way is evident to the one who has spent years seeking His will.

2. Work hard. Like being virtuous, this is not a popular ethic in our culture. We waste so much time being entertained, preferring to watch TV rather than study God’s word, for example.

3. Sacrificial love for our family. Because we are brought up to exalt selfishness, it can be difficult to walk in the way of sacrificial self-giving.

4. Wisdom in all things. Wisdom is knowing how to make life work effectively for ourselves and the people who look up to us.

These qualities do not come easily to any of us. They are grown in us as we seek to follow the Lord each day.

Prayer

Lord, may I become like the Proverbs 31 woman. Develop these qualities in me, I pray. Amen.

Praying Beyond The Words

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Prayer is an amazing privilege. It is awesome to think that we can enter into God’s presence at any time and speak freely to the Creator of all things.

Sometimes I find my words become more important than the relationship. My mind gets into praying mode, and all I think of is the words I am speaking. God becomes lost in my praying.

Tonight the Lord reminded me of this simple song. As I sang it softly, my soul settled and the Holy Spirit touched me in the quiet.

Sometimes we need that simple act of worship- a song, a prayer such as the Jesus prayer-  to re-centre our spirits and enable us to focus on God.

Reflection on Mark 8:27-38

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Scripture

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”

Observation

Jesus asks His disciples who people say He is. They offer various suggestions, and then Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” Peter replies, “You are the Christ.”

Jesus then begins to teach them that He must be crucified. Peter begins to rebuke Him. Jesus tells Him, “Get behind me Satan!”

Jesus then tells the crowd that whoever wants to follow Him must take up their cross and deny themselves. If anyone is ashamed of Him now, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His glory.

Application

There is a stark choice that confronts every disciple of Jesus. Will I seek the comforts of the world or will I be faithful to Christ?

Jesus says that it is pointless to gain the whole world but to lose your soul.

The world offers many temptations and attractions. We might pursue a career that offers us a comfortable lifestyle. If this involves compromising the gospel or denying a call that God has on our lives, then it is the wrong choice and a futile reward.

What is the benefit of a million dollar lifestyle if we end up in hell? Surely the goal of this life is to prepare for eternity lived with God. To exchange eternal joy for a few years of fame and fortune is the height of foolishness.

My calling is to follow Jesus regardless of where He leads me. He promises that if I seek first Him and His Kingdom in all I do, then He will make sure my daily needs are met.

Given a choice between the call of Jesus and the pleasures of this world, Jesus always comes first.

Prayer

Lord, there are so many temptations and distractions in this world. Please help me to remain faithful to you always. Amen.