Monday, February 6, 2017

Change in Modern Schooling Education with Wikipedia: Part Three

In my previous article in this series, I explained in detail on how Wikipedia can work in school education. (Have no idea about what am I talking about? Please click here and then here.)

This is the last article in the series, and I expect myself to:

However, if I fail to do so, please do not hesitate to leave your query in the comments section below.

Benefits of editing Wikipedia

(Don't expect me to elaborate them unless you specify a particular point in the comments.)
  • Enhances reading skills and information evaluation strategies.
  • Helps in gaining digital literacy.
  • Improves interdisciplinary thinking.
  • Helps in improving learning, study and writing skills.
  • Students learn how to work collaboratively.
  • Wikipedia helps in getting you involved with active communities all around the globe.
  • And the biggest of all, you become Wikipedian.

There are few advantages that I skipped intentionally. Read my first two articles and you will get them. Consider it as a treasure hunt game with no reward.


Starting Wikipedia Education Program in your school

(You can be a Wikipedia Education Program leader, yes you can!)

Suppose you are someone who wish for a change in the society. How many times did it happen that whenever you try to initiate a change, you fail. You fail because of the stereotypes prevailing in the society. You fail because people resist change. I am telling you this, because I have been through this. When I started the WEP in the schools, I faced so many challenges. Very few faculty members were in favour. You have to not only convince them, but also teach them every basic of Wikipedia. But, that's how this works. So, to be a Wikipedia Education Leader, you have to keep these things in mind:
(A Wikipedia Education Leader has pre-requisite knowledge of Wikipedia editing, so make sure you have it before you start any kind of this program).

  • Convince teachers and parents, because students will do as directed.
  • Keep in mind the motive, i.e, "FREE KNOWLEDGE" and share it among everyone.
  • Familiarize yourself with bots and gadgets such as WikiComment, Program and Events Dashboard, CopyPatrol etc.
  • Last and the most important of all, never give up.

F.A.Q


Q1. Can I solve math problems on Wikipedia?

ANS. To be precise, you are not allowed to solve questions on Wikipedia. That's against the rules. However, you can contribute to Wikiversity, a sister project of Wikimedia, if you want to contribute more towards academics.

Q2. What is the difference between Wikipedia and Wikimedia?

ANS. Wikimedia Foundation is an organisation, and Wikipedia is it's project. Just like Wikipedia, we have Wikiversity, Wikisource etc. You can check the whole list of Wikimedia sister projects here.

Q3. How can I stay in touch with Wikipedia related news and other Wikipedians?

ANS. You can join the Wikipedia IRC channel. Just go to Freenode and under the Channels field, type #wikipedia. You can drop your query there, but please sound professional and keep patience. You can also join the Wikipedia mailing list and stay updated on Wikipedia related news.

Q4. I have started WEP. How can I tell other WEP leaders and seek advice?

ANS. Just like Wikipedia mailing list, we have Wikipedia Education mailing list as well. You can join the mailing list here. Here, you may wish to share the month's update, some new idea, or any problem that you are facing. The leaders all around the globe will be happy to serve you. :)


So, here it ends. If you thought that the article ended, you are wrong. This article will be continued and updated every time a new question arises. And it's you (the reader, and the future WEP leader) who can keep this article alive.

I bid adieu to this series from my side. Thank you for spending your precious time on this article series. See you soon with the next series. Till then, brainstorm and implement the WEP in schools. Don't sit idle. The article is over, go now. Good luck!


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