W15.2 June 14 (Fri)—ZHONG XIN

What did I learn while editing Wikipedia? 

Editing Wikipedia was an enlightening experience that transcended traditional learning boundaries. I learned the intricacies of creating and editing articles, adhering to community guidelines, and participating in discussions on discussion pages. In the process, I learned the importance of citations, the value of neutrality in presenting information, and the need to respect different points of view. My personal skills have improved significantly.

I discovered that Wikipedia is more than just a platform for information; it is a living organism that is constantly evolving through the combined efforts of its editors. Every edit, no matter how small, has the potential to affect the understanding of millions of people. Having realized this, I am even more aware of the responsibility that comes with contributing to such a powerful knowledge-sharing platform.

How is this assignment different from more traditional student assignments? 

A Wikipedia editing assignment is different from a traditional academic assignment. Editing Wikipedia is inherently social and communal. It requires editors to work collaboratively and utilize their collective wisdom. This interaction fostered my sense of belonging to a global initiative, which is rare in traditional coursework.

And the assignment was open-ended, with no fixed word count or specific formatting restrictions. The learning curve was organic and adaptable to the complexity of my chosen topic. Feedback was immediate, in the form of edits, discussions, and sometimes direct interaction with other editors.

Is it more fun?

The interactive and dynamic nature of Wikipedia editing makes the learning process fun. It's fun to see your contributions take shape in real time, to participate in intellectual debates, and to be part of a community that values knowledge and its dissemination. The satisfaction of seeing one's work contribute to a larger whole makes the task not only fun, but rewarding. While traditional academic work tends to be solitary and competitive in nature, this assignment was refreshing.

This course bridges the gap between academic learning and practical application, providing a unique platform to engage in knowledge building in a collaborative environment. This assignment is not only different from traditional student work, but it is also a much more enjoyable and fulfilling endeavor.

The skills acquired through this course: 

Research, critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy, which are increasingly important in today's sharing economy. Wiki-literacy is truly becoming a must-have job skill, and my experience with Wikipedia gives me a competitive edge in this evolving digital environment.