Should Crowdsourced, Unvetted Content on Wikipedia Be Used in Health Sciences Teaching and Learning?

AMA J Ethics. 2018 Nov 1;20(11):E1033-1040. doi: 10.1001/amajethics.2018.1033.

Abstract

Internet technology makes information from both peer-reviewed sources and crowdsourced content, such as Wikipedia, instantly accessible. Health sciences education must adapt by providing learners with the skills needed to effectively and appropriately access and use information. In this article, we introduce a conceptual framework for teaching and learning using crowdsourced content. Using this framework, we show how educators can help learners develop the skills they need for critically assessing information quality, acquiring knowledge, and making clinical decisions.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Crowdsourcing*
  • Data Accuracy
  • Education, Professional / methods*
  • Health Occupations / education*
  • Humans
  • Information Seeking Behavior*
  • Information Services*
  • Internet*
  • Judgment
  • Knowledge
  • Learning
  • Teaching
  • Test Taking Skills