Reading & Activity #2

When evaluating information that I read, I usually use a few different techniques to absorb it.  I try my best to go into reading the information with an idea of what I would like to take from it.  I try to read as analytically as possible, and I occasionally take note when I read something that I see as “worth remembering.” 

The two articles, “Information Navigation 101” by Andrea Foster, and “Authority Figures” by Mark Bauerlein both discussed the output and intake of information, and related it to today’s society.  Bauerlein focused much on the validity of information provided on “Wikipedia,” and then also talked about Encyclopaedia Britannica’s recent switch from books to the web.  He begins by talking about searching for information on Google, and how when one searches for a subject that 56% of the time Wikipedia is the number one search result and 99% of the time Wikipedia is on the first page of search results.  Since Wikipedia is “user-edited,” Bauerlein discusses how it is almost impossible to use the information on the site as a reference.  This relates to the evaluation of information, and is definitely something that I would take into account when reading any sort of entry on Wikipedia. 

In Foster’s article the focus is on information literacy, especially geared towards college students.  Foster makes the statement that although college students have a vast array of knowledge at their fingertips, the research process and work is hindered by the use of Google and Wikipedia.  From my experience, many professors prohibit the use of Wikipedia as a source when obtaining scholarly information; also I am aware of the site’s policy on the user editing so I would never cite Wikipedia regardless of a professor’s restrictions.  Foster also speaks on California State University’s policy that requires an information literacy course before graduation.  This idea is definitely helpful because I do realize that many college freshmen are not exactly keen on their research skills.  She also speaks about some schools such as Kent State University requiring students to take an information literacy exam as well.  All these things are helpful to make students aware about the best techniques to absorb information. 

Both articles discuss in depth different outputs, inputs, and approaches to evaluating information; which is definitely necessary for college students to be informed about.  Being educated as much as possible about the research process, and where our information is coming from is the most advantageous way to becoming a more informed researcher.