Free Wikipedia browsing with FNB Connect

[QuintonB]

More free data from FNB Connect

FNB Connect says it will offer its ADSL customers free Wikipedia data browsing between 19h00 and 23h00, a move aimed at assisting South Africa’s students.

 

[dougatthewoods]

Our kids are being taught that Wikipedia is a research site?!

FSM save us all!

 

[Ninja'd]

Our kids are being taught that Wikipedia is a research site?!

FSM save us all!

In my day (12 years ago) I had to sit in the library with 5 Brittanica Encyclopedias and copy everything.

 

[dougatthewoods]

In my day (12 years ago) I had to sit in the library with 5 Brittanica Encyclopedias and copy everything.

I think you mean "... and paraphrase everything"

In my day (5 years ago) referencing Wikipedia resulted in a 0.

Even if these are school kids, they should be taught that Wikipedia is not a reference for research. It can point you in the right direction with the references at the bottom, but don't reference Wikipedia.

 

[BLIXEMPIE]

Wikipedia is a good reference if you want some random info on things, but not for research or essays.

 

[Napalm2880]

I think you mean "... and paraphrase everything"

In my day (5 years ago) referencing Wikipedia resulted in a 0.

Even if these are school kids, they should be taught that Wikipedia is not a reference for research. It can point you in the right direction with the references at the bottom, but don't reference Wikipedia.

I disagree. I think Wikipedia is a good reference but it should not be your ONLY reference.

On another note, 7pm till 11pm seems a little unfair if the intended audience is grade 11's. I always did my homework between 2pm and 5pm (and occasionally in the mornings when I was copying someone else's )

 

[Yuu]

I think in terms of what value the students will get from the Wiki is worth alot more than asking for this website or that one to be accessed free. It shouldn't be the only site but imho, it is a massive starting point.

I can't believe though that it was a school far up in the Cape that asked for this, this should've started a trend for all to come together and perhaps allow more sites.

I applaud the Grade 11 learners at Sinenjongo High School, Joe Slovo Park in Cape Town. This would've not made it to us here if it were not for them and FNB for taking action.

Infact all schools should take note about this.

As for the time, i think FNB wants to see the response and adjust as needed.

 

[dougatthewoods]

I disagree. I think Wikipedia is a good reference but it should not be your ONLY reference.

On another note, 7pm till 11pm seems a little unfair if the intended audience is grade 11's. I always did my homework between 2pm and 5pm (and occasionally in the mornings when I was copying someone else's )

Wikipedia is not a valid reference. At university, if you are writing a paper and you reference Wikipedia you will fail that paper. Wikipedia cannot be referenced at all.

Wikipedia cannot be a reference as it is community sourced (so not 100% reliable). If you do find information on Wikipedia you cannot reference it, but you can click through to the links in the references and use those if they are reliable sources.

If schools are teaching the students that it is okay to reference Wikipedia that is indescribably bad.

I am not saying that Wikipedia is bad. It is actually really useful, but if you use Wikipedia (especially for educational research) you need to realise that it is fallible.