Did you hear Sinbad died? Or that interracial marriage is illegal in Idaho? You haven't? Then you must not be using Wikipedia as a news source, which is probably a good thing because neither of those "facts" are true.

Recently, universities across the nation have been outlawing the use of Wikipedia as a credible source for class work. But Penn State has not yet followed suit. Some professors have students using Wikipedia as a learning tool for class.

It's true, Wikipedia is a great Web site for general knowledge and fun. Don't have anything better to do? Why not get on Wikipedia and do a little surfing. It's great to jump from article to article, absorbing questionably credible knowledge. But it in no way should be Wikipedia be cited for class work. The Web site can be altered by anyone with Internet access. Not only may the information be unreliable, but it also may be subjective. The fact that a student might be able to get on Wikipedia, alter the information to suit them, and then use it in a research paper is evidence enough that it should be outlawed for classes.

Wikipedia is a useful tool in the fact that much of the information it offers the user is cited, providing the user with a starting point to find more credible sources to use for their papers or speeches. The site is a great place to begin a paper, but it should not be the end-all be-all of research tools.

At some point Wikipedia may become a legitimate source for papers, but only if it is heavily moderated. Users would need to sign up for accounts in order to alter the information on the Web site, and moderators would need to delete the accounts of anyone who provides incorrect information to users. The problem with this idea is that it goes against everything a "wiki" Web site is: a forum meant to be used and updated by anyone on the Internet. Some students might gripe about not being able to use Wikipedia as a source. Those students need to grow up. We have so much information at our fingertips. Penn State has one of the most extensive university libraries in the nation. Not only that, but the library also maintains an amazing Web site, full of articles and learning tools for students who can't make the physical trip to the library. Intimidated by the size of Pattee and Paterno? The librarians and employees have an extensive knowledge of the premises and will provide you with all the help you need.

Let's face it: Research is an important aspect of college life. It prepares you for the real world, helps you think critically and makes you a better student. Wikipedia only undermines the research method, which means you're only hurting yourself in the long run.