Wikipedia is a great resource for administrators. It's a quick and easy way to access 20 million webpages worth of information and data that's been peer reviewed by more than 90,000 administrators and volunteers.
Whenever you're asked a question and you're not sure of the answer, simply type the key word 'wiki' infront of whatever you're searching for. This way you're automatically searching through Wikipedia's online encyclopedia for the best possible answer.
For instance, a 5th grade student runs into you in the hallway and you strike up a conversation about how their classes are going. The student replies that they're great, except for Science class. There was a question on the last quiz about Plate Tectonics that he wasn't sure about and it's been bothering him.
Then he looks up at you with big blue eyes and says, "Do you know anything about Plate Tectonics?"
Now, you haven't seen or studied this since you were in 5th grade. So, with the wisdom that comes with years of spending time in the education industry, you say, "Absolutely! I have a ton of information I can send you! Would you like me to share it with you via email or print out a few articles?"
Nicely done, you go back to your office, type in "wiki plate tectonics' into your search bar and you have instant access to lots of information on Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, Seismic waves, and more, all within Wikipedia.
Since Wikipedia has a great linking system, all you have to do is click on the links you find beneficial for your student and print them off. Have one of the office personal staple and place them into manila folder with the student's name on it, and he'll have them before he leaves school for the day.
This is a Win/Win situation that takes little time and effort! You're seen a valuable resource for students, and you have a quick and easy way to retrieve great information. Give Wikipedia a try, you just may need all 20 million pages. Students can ask a lot of questions!
