W15.2 FAN XINRU

What did I learn while editing Wikipedia?

First, in the process of editing Wikipedia, I have a deeper understanding of the history and organizational structure of Wikipedia, which allows me to use Wikipedia more conveniently to obtain the information I want. Through the understanding of the organizational structure of Wikipedia, I have a new understanding of the operation of large online knowledge platforms. For example, the operation of the Wikipedia community is mainly through the joint efforts of a large number of volunteers from all over the world, and it continues to develop and progress under the maintenance of administrators.

Secondly, when editing Wikipedia, I learned the editing concept based on inclusiveness, openness, neutrality and objectivity. Wikipedia editors should maintain neutrality and objectivity, and any edited content must have an accurate and reliable source. Clear and high-quality reliable sources can improve the accuracy and professionalism of articles and can help more people. At the same time, the edited content should not be mixed with the editor's subjective ideas, but should be based on a neutral perspective, and the content should not be presented for advertising and marketing purposes. Neutrality, objectivity and inclusiveness coexist. As a large global knowledge platform, Wikipedia should be actively open to users and not differentiate between race, gender, occupation, etc. Wikipedia editors should be inclusive, encouraging and affirming. At the same time, when editing Wikipedia, sometimes it is necessary to collaborate. For example, when facing controversial topics, we should not change them alone, but should first initiate discussions and integrate the opinions of others. In the face of conflicts and denials, I have learned better ways to deal with them and solve these problems through further communication.

Finally, when learning Wikipedia editing, I can have a deep understanding of the content being edited, or change previous misunderstandings in a timely manner. When expanding the article, I need to actively look for reliable and professional materials, such as literature, books, newspapers, etc. In this way, I have more ways to learn and learn more relevant knowledge. If I encounter knowledge points that are different from previous concepts, I will continue to consult more materials for verification. Then, after confirming the errors of previous concepts, I will actively change the wrong information and implant new correct content.

How is this assignment different from more traditional student assignments?

① Compared with traditional offline assignments, Wikipedia editing tasks are a combination of online use and actual operation. Even ordinary offline assignments may require online information query, but Wikipedia editing not only requires information query but also requires actual operation and editing, which exercises our thinking and hands-on ability.

② Wikipedia has more convenient features that traditional assignments do not have: for example, you can discuss and communicate with editors from all over the world online, not limited to members of the study group or people you know. For example, you can get guidance from professional tutors after editing Wikipedia without taking the initiative to contact or apply.

Is it more fun?

Yes, I think the interesting point is that it gives us more freedom to edit and create in areas that we are interested in or good at. The sense of accomplishment that editing brings us goes beyond simply completing a task or assignment. Whenever I realize that the effective content I edited can be seen or used as a reference by people all over the world, I feel that this is a very meaningful thing.