Article Critique Online Periodic Table

Question: Discuss about theArticle Critiquefor Online Periodic Table. Answer: Introduction In the article, Online Periodic Table: A Cautionary Note, Izci, Barrow, and Thornhill (2013) have strived to evaluate the efficacy, accuracy, and applicability of online periodic table sources, and the purpose has been to evaluate the quality of information provided by the links through the comparison/contrast method. But the introductory passage is infused with some specific flaws. First of all, disregarding the need of proper incorporation of some specific rhetorical elements, the authors have started the passage with blatant condemnation. The authors, referring to Lerman, have stated that One of the main problems science teachers have is disregarding varying learning strategies that would help to meet the needs of diverse students (Izci, Barrow Thornhill, 2013). Without first appeasing to the emotions or rationality of the readers, and without considering the chance that among the readers there may be science teachers, the authors have started the introduction with an approach of accusation. For an academic article the approach seems inappropriate. Moreover, it must be noted that the element of logos has not been properly infused while arguing against the approach of science teachers. One must note that the authors have started with the blame game but such a point of inception has not been previously supported by proper evidence. This has made the initial cl aim devoid of logic. Also, it must be taken into account that in the introductory paragraph the authors have contradicted their own claim. At the beginning they have blamed science teachers of disregarding the importance of the use of various technologies in educating the pupils. But eventually they have contradicted their claim by admitting that in majority of science classes different modes of educational technologies are now being used to provide proper education to students to science (Izci, Barrow Thornhill, 2013). Such contradiction has rendered inefficacy to the claim itself. Furthermore, it must be noted that the authors have provided wrong information regarding the efficacy of online materials. The authors have argued that currency of information is one of the major strengths of web-based information. But this is not the truth. It has often been observed that the propensity of majority of websites to refrain from updating information makes the information outdated. In many medical websites it has been observed that though medical information change frequently, some medical websites fail to update them, and such lack of update makes the information outdated, and outdated medical information can be severely misleading (Berger, 2006). Hence, in this respect the claim made by the authors should be refuted. Moreover, the element of biasness can also be found in the article. For an instance, the authors have claimed, referring only to a single research study, that, online periodic tables become ineffective if not integrated into a real learning environment (I zci, Barrow Thornhill, 2013). In this respect it can be claimed that the authors have shown biasness towards a specific source and issue. It seems that they have already made their mind to criticize the applicability of online periodic tables and have hence established a straw-man argument in this respect. Hence, considering the aforesaid facts it can be said that the article suffers from some specific flaws which include wrong approach and some specific fallacies coupled with biasness. References Berger, S. (2006). Great Age Guide to Online Health and Wellness. USA: Que Publishing. Izci, K., Barrow, L.H., Thornhill, E. (2013). Online Periodic Table: A Cautionary Note. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 22, 402-417.