A recent Buzzfeed article (https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanhatesthis/wikipedia-fake-academic-journal ) claimed that a new website would convert any Wikipedia page into a PDF that looks just like a respected journal article. It even gives users the appropriate MLA or APA citation with a preview of what a professor would see if they clicked the link.
So, I had to try the website myself.
The first thing I see on the website is a field to enter a link the Wikipedia link. So, I put in the URL for the Blockchain site.
After a few short seconds, it gave me a view of a PDF looking file, complete with ink blotches of an article on blockchain. Weird title, but possible.
To get the citation, a student clicks on the button and different formats are provided. An URL is provided as part of the link.
The second button shows what an instructor would see if they viewed the link.
The page looks like a valid journal at first glance it looks like a legitimate journal, complete with a fake ISSN number. From what I can see, the article is pretty much a straight copy of Wikipedia.
So, this leads the question. Would you rather have the student cite Wikipedia directly, than trying to falsify the source? At least then the citation could be judged on its own merit.
I Teach Accounting Information Systems 