"Trust but verify" is the phrase being issued when using Wikipedia.com. This should be the case with all online resources; but with Wikipedia, it is a must.
Why?
Because Wikipedia is different from long-established encyclopedias in that Wikipedia invites all Internet users to create, edit and monitor its content; as opposed to the traditional method of seeking out recognized experts and authorities in each category or topic. The negative result of this collaborative process can sometimes be inaccurate, incomplete, and even one-sided views that most readers will mistakenly accept as the gospel truth. While much of the information found in Wikipedia is accurate and objective, students should always cross reference any material found on Wikipedia against other more trusted sources to maintain the kind of factual accuracy that schools and teachers will expect from students.
Not to point a finger solely at Wikipedia, the Internet is filled with websites that claim to be the end-all authority on their topic. Keep in mind that anyone with $10 can register an Internet domain and then build a free webpage, regardless of that person's lack of knowledge on the given subject or his or her motive for publishing an opinion on that subject. The World Wide Web has a seemingly infinite number of websites that contradict other website's claims, or even contradict common knowledge altogether.
One type of website that students should be extremely cautious of are the many peer support forums, such as WikiAnswers at Answers.com. Here you can ask direct questions and have almost anyone reply with an answer. Unfortunately, the answers here are quite often personal opinions that may have no base in actual research or reality.
When researching any subject or topic for a school project, it is best to include multiple sources of reliable reference, such as text books, printed encyclopedias, and even online encyclopedias that gather their material from dependable sources. The reference links posted on the Student Resource page were selected from several reviews of respected online encyclopedias, dictionaries and other resource libraries. Some of these websites are free, while others may require a subscription. Many of them display advertisements. Also keep in mind that some of these resources may contain reference material that may be considered objectionable to some parents and/or children. Please employ proper safety and guidance when visiting, or allowing your child to visit these sites.