Wikipedia and Crowdsourcing

Aim: How does Wikipedia make use of a crowd--for good or for bad?  

Quick Write: Why did people get brainwashed so easily by Hitler? 

Today we will explore the idea of crowdsourcing. In groups, you will read and analyze a Wikipedia article on crowd manipulation, annotating its claims and deciding if they are reliable or not.

Wikipedia article about crowd manipulation.

Before beginning, it's important to understand two important terms:

A CLAIM is an argument or opinion that is powerful, unique, and can be supported by evidence. This is another word for "thesis" or "controlling idea."

A COUNTERCLAIM is any opposing idea. (The prefix "counter" means against.) Just as the best athletes anticipate what their opposing teams will do (the best defense is a good offense), good debaters anticipate what the opposing side will say and disprove their counterclaims before they even get a chance to make them. This is why we say it is important to dismiss, disprove or rebut the counterclaim.

Step 1: Working with a partner, use the Claims and Counterclaims graphic organizer (available under "Resources" on this blog or in the classroom) to identify claims made by the article. After identifying a claim, find the evidence (studies and facts) that support this claim. Note: In many if not most cases, you will have to check the footnotes for the source of the evidence.

Step 2: Write a final reflection at least one paragraph long considering these questions:

• How is Wikipedia's use of what is called "crowd sourcing" similar to conformity, the Bystander Effect, and/or crowd manipulation and how is it different?
• How is Wikipedia good and how is it bad as a reliable source of information?
• What does all this say about the benefits of relying on crowds for information?

Discussion Question!!!!
What was the most interesting question or comment you heard today in class? Put your thoughts on the comment section below and earn one extra credit Accountable Talk II point.

What's Due

• PowerPoint on the human behavior experiments
• Daily classwork/blog posts
• Independent reading book

***Don't forget to complete and turn in your "Six Elements of Engagement Daily Self-Tracker" before leaving class.

****Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress in this class.****