We’re very excited to have members of our staff in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this week!
On November 5 and 6, Louisiana State University’s Communication Across the Curriculum (CxC) department and the Wiki Education Foundation are co-hosting “Wikipedia-Palooza,” a series of workshops focused exclusively on Wikipedia and education. Our participation is a part of our partnership initiative to expand the number of classes and student editors on Wikipedia. We’re excited to be working with LSU CxC, who bring their experience and strong support of Wikipedia-based assignments and the Wiki Education Foundation.
Topics at the event include two training sessions (for beginners and more advanced users) on Wikipedia’s editing tools and other practical advice for volunteers, mentors and students. Other sessions address the benefits of using Wikipedia in a classroom, advice for instructors on constructing compelling course assignments, and Wikipedia’s utility and impact on social awareness issues. Attendees will be able to meet with LSU staff using Wikipedia in their work, and members of the Wiki Education Foundation staff.
The program is free, but seating is limited and registration is required. Attendees should bring their own devices to participate.
The schedule is included below.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
9:30-10:30a, Why Wikipedia in the University?
Are you intrigued but not quite sure how Wikipedia could work for you as a teacher, student, or general lover of global knowledge sharing? Then this is the session for you! We’ll talk about the many different ways you can leverage Wikipedia in the University setting. (Peabody Hall, Room 225, RSVP here)
11:30a-1:00p, Unpacking Wikipedia: Creative Uses in the Classroom
Editing and contributing text to Wikipedia articles is one way to elevate students’ writing and research skills, but there are many other activities involving Wikipedia that you can integrate into your course design. We’ll talk about how faculty at top-tier universities, including LSU, are using Wikipedia in the classroom. From images and infographics to literature reviews and research analysis, there’s a wealth of active learning opportunities within Wikipedia. (LSU Location TBD; Lunch provided, RSVP here)
2:30-3:30p, Leveraging Wikipedia for Social Issues Awareness
Wikipedia articles are written from a neutral point of view. It is not a place for argumentation or advocacy, but it is a space for accurate, noteworthy information. Some of the most sought out Wikipedia articles are those surrounding social issues and policies, yet these types of articles are some of the most underdeveloped Wikipedia entries. During this session, we’ll talk about how you can support your cause(s) and essentially provide a community service by increasing the accuracy, scope, and depth of Wikipedia articles surrounding social issues and policies. (LSU Location TBD, RSVP here)
4:30-5:30p, Intro to Wikipedia Editing
New to Wikipedia editing? This introductory session will give you the basic tools and skills needed to dive into editing Wikipedia. (Coates Hall, Room 151, RSVP here)
5:30-7:00p, LSU Peer Mentor/Wikipedia Ambassador Training
This is an exciting opportunity for students who (a) are passionate about free knowledge sharing, (b) want to practice and enhance their communication skills, and (c) are hungry for something fun and interesting to do! During this training, you’ll learn more about Wikipedia in the Classroom, how you personally can contribute to Wikipedia, and how you can help faculty and students as a trained ambassador. (Coates Hall, Room 151, Refreshments provided, RSVP here)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
12:00-1:30p, Designing Assignments & Planning to Teach with Wikipedia
During this roundtable discussion, you will get to visit with Wikipedia staff, CxC staff, LSU faculty who have experience teaching with Wikipedia, and fellow faculty members who want to teach with Wikipedia. We’ll talk in-depth about your specific learning goals and how you might leverage Wikipedia in your classroom for the upcoming semester. (LSU Location TBD; Lunch provided, RSVP RSVP here)
3:30-4:30p, Intermediate/Advanced Wikipedia Editing
Are you a novice at Wikipedia editing who wants to learn a little more? This session will go beyond the Wikipedia editing basics, but it doesn’t require a computer science degree! (LSU Location TBD, RSVP here.
