Wikipedia is where people turn when they want to learn about science. Whether looking for information about health care, climate change, a medical condition, nuclear energy, space exploration, drug side effects, or human biology, it’s often the first stop we look. It’s also where citizens find information they need to make informed political decisions, and … Continued
“The public looks to Wikipedia to make informed political decisions. If I can make that information more accurate and complete, that’s a good use of my time.” When the National Science Policy Network (NSPN) announced that they would be sponsoring a course with us for early career scientists to add science policy information to Wikipedia (in … Continued
When members of the public read of a new astronomical discovery, learn about a unique endangered animal, fact-check claims about climate change, or educate themselves about an illness, Wikipedia is often their first stop. The encyclopedia that anyone can edit provides a wealth of information on a wide range of topic areas, but also presents many opportunities … Continued
Scholars are increasingly looking for opportunities to share their expertise more widely, both within academic communities and beyond. “Many academics enter [their field] to change the world for the better. … [But] most academic work is shared only with a particular [scholarly] community, rather than policymakers or businesses, which makes it entirely disconnected from practice,” … Continued
Citizens of a well functioning democracy should have an understanding of voting rights. In the United States, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution was passed in 1920 to give women the right to vote. To our young people today, it can be shocking to learn that just within the last century, more than half of … Continued
“I see my contributions to Wikipedia as a form of academic activism,” says Dr. Jenn Brandt about her recent experience in our professional development course. “At a time when the academy, institutions, and the very nature of ‘fact’ are being challenged more than ever, knowledge, in itself, may not be enough. Rather, it’s what we do with … Continued
“I have come to realize that the pursuit of knowledge can be undertaken by an individual, but it can only be advanced in partnership with others,” says Dr. Rebecca Dew, a recent participant in our professional development course. Dr. Dew learned how to edit Wikipedia’s content related to mid-term election topics. The opportunity to collaborate with … Continued
“I am a firm believer that the role of academics is to make their knowledge accessible to the public. I cherish the opportunity to research, write, and share knowledge and information that would benefit as many people as possible.” So wrote a participant in our Communicating Science course, where scientists, professionals, and other academics learn … Continued
I’m happy to announce Steve Jankowski as Wikipedia Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor! Steve is a PhD candidate in the Joint Graduate Program of Communication and Culture at York and Ryerson Universities. He holds a MA in Communication from the University of Ottawa, and a BDes from the York/Sheridan Design Program. His research … Continued
