If+it's+out+there,+why+not+use+it?

Larry Sanger, co founder of Wikipedia, argues that “if there is an explanation available online that completely answers the student’s questions, then why not use it?”.

//REFLECTION: Sanger's interest is as a philosopher and online information organizer. Obvious business and financial interests in new technologies such as// Wikipedia//,// Citizendium //and// WatchKnow //are also a factor in his view. Some educators, like// Tim Kitchen //share the same view. As a parent as well, his interest is in making use of the Web for any and every relevant educational purpose, as opposed to just sourcing information.

I tend to agree with this idea. Students need to use skills in finding out where the answer is located on the web, along with using critical thinking skills in evaluating the answer they find and how it applies to their learning. I think there are probably some educators teaching along this line in schools. However I think there are many who see this idea as leading to individualised learning and this is a very different model to what is currently the norm in Australian schools. Personally, if I was teaching in a progressive school and was confident in organising and assessing 20+ students' ongoing individual learning plans, I would embrace this .//