Friday 11 November 2011

Wikipedia -- Using the Forbidden Resource

        Let's be honest, we have all used it. Type in any person, place, or thing into google and one of the first links will be for a wikipedia page on the subject. BUT we have all been told for the extent of our academic career that wikipedia is not a reliable resource. Nonetheless here I am in ALES204 making my own contribution to wikipedia. Through my experience of contributing to a wikipedia stub I realized why wikipedia should not be used as a reference for information and how it has the potential to be a great source of information if utilized properly. 

Retrieved November 11, 2011 from 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/67755971@N07/6335425336/in/photostream/
         I have always been told that the information on wikipedia could come from someone who has no formal expertise on the subject but now I really understand that ANYONE can put ANYTHING on wikipedia. To start my assignment I created an account (no credentials necessary) and browsed through a list of stubs (a seemingly endless list) until I found one related to food that didn't have much information on it -- "Milk Substitutes". The current wiki page on milk substitutes contained only minimal information on the topic so I was able to find research from academic journals to add information regarding Lactose Intolerance, Manufacturing of Non-Dairy Products, Varieties and Brands such as Rice and Soy milk and other Milk Substitutes such as Breast Milk. I had done research before adding information to the wikipedia stub but it made me think about all the information on wikipedia that might not be from academic research. It brought to light the great importance of being vigilant when looking at information on wikipedia because it could very easily be from a false source.

         Wikipedia has the potential to be a great academic source of information. It is convenient to have an abundance of information in one place rather than searching numerous different sources. By properly referencing your sources you give the readers the opportunity to cross reference and ensure reliability. It is possible that most of the information on wikipedia is accurate, but it is the chance that it isn't that loses its' credibility in the academic society. I agree with my fellow classmate, Laura, that Wikipedia is appropriate for a quick sources of information but not for scientific articles. Perhaps in the future Wikipedia could require some sort of proof of expertise before editing, but then again is public access to edit the essence of Wikipedia

-K

*** Click here to see a screen shot of my wikipedia stub -- or even better just view the whole thing

Public Speaking: Perfected by Few and Feared by Most

 Retrieved November 4, 2011 from http://www.flickr.com/photos/anhonorablegerman/6301096616/                                           

              I suppose that it is not fair for me to call it a “fear”... it is more so an activity which I may go to great lengths to avoid. Module 4 of ALES204 consisted of looking at different aspects of giving speeches and tips to a successful public speaking experience. We practiced “Pecha Kucha”, analyzed the inauguration speech of Barak Obama and received tips to public speaking from Wendy Doughty. I agree with my fellow classmate SusanG that getting feedback from our peers in the lab helped to identify where our public speaking weaknesses are.  Now after all this I am not about to throw myself in front of a crowd to talk, but I may approach the next event which I need to speak publicly with less apprehension.
            Because I am pursuing a career in nutrition it is vital for me to improve my public speaking skills. I wish to bring awareness of nutritious eating and healthy lifestyles and at some point I will need to speak in front of a crowd to convey that message. I will need to know how to effectively present my nutrition knowledge to whichever audience I encounter; whether it be a classroom full of students learning about the food groups or presenting new information on nutrition research to a group of professionals. What good will my new knowledge be if I cannot effectively convey it?
               I learned a number of new things this week that I will carry with me the next time I speak to a crowd, or even go to an interview. First of all, confidence is essential to captivating an audience. When Barack Obama won the Presidential Election in 2008 he gave an incredible speech that individuals could relate to on a personal level. He spoke without hesitation or doubt, which gave his message integrity. An important thing Wendy Doughty mentioned in lecture was to avoid fidgeting, or tugging at your clothing. An audience will focus more on the meaning of your message if they aren’t distracted by other movement.
              Public speaking is a skill I wish to improve, but hate to practice. So for the next few years here at the UofA I will keep in mind Toastmasters International Tip #2 so I am prepared for any time the occasion arises that I must give a speech.
-K

PS. Wear Red