To bridge all the gaps
As a classroom project, we hear time and again that the Wikipedia assignment is a huge motivator for students. In our Fall 2016 research study into student learning outcomes, for example, we found that “in addition to their value in learning digital/information literacy, critical research, teamwork, and technology skills, Wikipedia-based assignments also help increase students’ motivation … Continued
A November to remember
We hear time and again that people understand the importance of having well referenced information on Wikipedia. But most simply don’t know how to do something about it. “I did this at an edit-a-thon recently,” one conference attendee said, “and I loved it! How can I do more?” In November, I traveled to three academic … Continued
Three Wiki Education values worth supporting on Giving Tuesday
At Wiki Education, we believe education is a fundamental right, that knowledge should be freely available for all, and that diverse voices must be involved in the creation and curation of that knowledge. These values are at the basis of our strategy and guide all the work that we do. If they are values that … Continued
Students make trans history more visible on Wikipedia
November 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day where communities and organizations in more than 20 countries worldwide raise awareness about the prejudice and threat of violence that trans people face around the world. One way to draw awareness and reduce violence is through education and visibility. Today we’re recognizing work that student editors in … Continued
Classroom Program renamed to Wikipedia Student Program
Our Classroom Program — where higher education instructors use our support and help resources to teach their students to add course content to relevant Wikipedia articles — has thrived and grown over the past eight years. During that time, we’ve listened to and learned from our participants, adapting our support and tools to better fit their needs. … Continued
How to improve Wikipedia’s coverage of women and marginalized American communities
Wikipedia, like much of history and historical scholarship, is missing information related to women and marginalized American communities. This weekend, Wiki Education is attending both the National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA) and the American Studies Association (ASA) annual meetings in Atlanta to empower scholars to help us fill these content gaps. NWSA and ASA share missions to disseminate research … Continued
What do you mean I can ‘edit’ Wikipedia?
Here at Wiki Education, we believe in the power of a crowd sourced Wikipedia article. With each iterative change to important topics from behavioral ecology to women’s history, Wikipedia becomes a better, more well referenced resource for the world. Wiki Education exists to enable as many people to improve Wikipedia as possible. Part of that role is helping … Continued
Undocumented student informs other DREAMers of their rights through Wikipedia
Lalo Mendez is a student at the University of California, Santa Cruz who learned how to expand Wikipedia articles as a class assignment. When he first heard that he’d learn such a skill as part of Elizabeth Beaumont’s Constitutional Meanings and Movements course, he was excited. “I use Wikipedia extensively to learn about topics and issues … Continued
Teaching and learning in the public sphere with Wikipedia
“I’ve done a complete 180,” commented Marie Butcher, who is currently teaching her first Wiki Education-supported courses this fall. “When I was first approached by Amy [to participate in a Wikipedia teaching project], I was a skeptic. But she’s converted me.” Marie is referring to her colleague, Amy Collier, the Middlebury Associate Provost for Digital … Continued
Student says “more universities need to participate” in editing Wikipedia
When Jay Rowland heard he would be adding content to Wikipedia as a class assignment, he was excited for what he would learn. “I thought that it would be good to learn how to edit Wikipedia articles,” says Jay. Wikipedia is a resource that students use all the time, but often without the robust digital … Continued