W15.2.2 June 14 (Fri) --LI YULUN

What did I learn while editing Wikipedia? 

Editing Wikipedia has been an enriching learning experience that has allowed me to push the boundaries of traditional academia and broaden my intellectual horizons. In the process, I have gained a deep appreciation for maintaining neutrality and ensuring that information is verifiable. Wikipedia's adherence to a neutral point of view and strict scrutiny of cited sources have made me more judicious in selecting and evaluating information.

In addition, I have gained a deeper understanding of collaborative editing. Wikipedia is a globalized knowledge-sharing platform, and its content is constantly being improved by contributors worldwide. In the process, I learned how to communicate and collaborate effectively in a multicultural context, how to listen to and respect the opinions of others, and how to skillfully handle disagreements and disputes.

At the same time, this experience has greatly enhanced my digital literacy and technical skills. Editing Wikipedia requires certain technical skills, such as using wiki-specific markup languages and templates. These skills not only helped me in my wiki editing work but also enhanced my understanding and ability to apply digital technology.

Overall, editing Wikipedia has been a unique learning opportunity that has taught me how to remain neutral, how to collaborate effectively, and how to improve my digital literacy practically. These experiences and skills will have a profound impact on my future studies and work.

How is this assignment different from more traditional student assignments? 

Audience reach:

Wikipedia: content is open to the global public, can be read and modified by all, and has a wide reach.Student Assignments: usually only for teachers or reviewers, smaller scope, aims to demonstrate student learning and understanding.

Editing and feedback:

Wikipedia: Editing is collaborative, anyone can revise and update entries, and feedback can come from users around the globe and is usually public.Student work: feedback comes primarily from instructors or reviewers, the revision and evaluation process is closed, and only the students themselves receive feedback.

Citation and references:

Wikipedia: requires citation of reliable sources to ensure accuracy and verifiability of information. Editors are required to adhere to a strict citation and neutrality policy.Student assignments: citation is also important, but citation style and requirements may vary by school and course, with specific guidance usually provided by the instructor.

Content quality and persistence:

Wikipedia: quality of content relies on collective wisdom, quality of entries varies, good entries may have been reviewed and edited multiple times, and information is updated quickly.Student work: quality depends on individual student's ability and effort, usually not updated once submitted, no further revisions once completed.

Writing style and purpose:

Wikipedia: requires a neutral, objective writing style with the goal of providing accurate and unbiased information.STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS: writing style may be analytical, critical, or creative, to demonstrate comprehension, thoughtfulness, and expression.

Time and schedule:

Wikipedia: there is no set deadline and editing can be done at any time, with constant refinement and updating.Student work: there are clear deadlines and students are expected to meet them.

Collaboration and independence:

Wikipedia: collaboration is encouraged and edits are usually the result of collective work, with multiple editors working together.Student assignments: are mostly done independently, and collaborative projects will have a clear division of labor and responsibilities.These differences reflect the essential differences in goals, methods, and processes between Wikipedia editing and traditional student assignments.

Is it more fun?

Editing Wikipedia has provided me with an unprecedented learning experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional academia and gives me a deeper appreciation of knowledge. The most profound realization I have gained from this experience is the importance of maintaining neutrality and ensuring the authenticity of information. The principle of neutral viewpoint advocated by Wikipedia and the strict verification of information sources has made me more cautious and objective in handling information.

At the same time, I have also gained a deeper understanding of collaborative editing. Wikipedia is an open platform, and its content is constantly enriched and improved thanks to the joint efforts of contributors worldwide. In the process, I learned how to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds, how to respect and incorporate others' opinions, and how to find consensus among diverse viewpoints.

In addition, this experience has greatly enhanced my digital literacy and technical skills. Editing Wikipedia requires the acquisition of certain technical skills, such as using specific markup languages and templates. The learning and mastery of these skills not only helped me to better fulfill my editing tasks but also enhanced my understanding and ability to apply digital technology.

Overall, editing Wikipedia was a challenging and rewarding learning journey. It made me deeply realize the power and value of knowledge, and also made me cherish cooperation and communication with others more. This experience will become a valuable asset in my life, inspiring me to pursue excellence in my future studies and work.