Recent events have caused us to question, more than ever before, the validity of information gathered from the web. But Wikipedia, now in its 15th year, remains an online space where accuracy, neutrality, and fair representation matters. Growing the network of volunteer editors to contribute to Wikipedia (the largest collaborative writing project in history!) is one way to ensure that high quality information is freely available to all.

Students:

• Would you like to build solid research skills?
• Get practice communicating complex ideas to a broad audience?
• Improve access to quality information and knowledge?

Faculty and Instructors:

• Would you like to support knowledge transfer in your courses?
• Build students’ confidence in reading and analyzing complex texts?
• Increase students’ proficiency in communicating technical content?

This three-day workshop will train participants to become competent Wikipedia editors, and along the way they will cultivate a greater understanding of how to evaluate a range of sources, from the popular news media, to institutional archives, to peer reviewed journals.

Tuesday Jan. 17, 10 am - 12 pm, 4-251

- Introduction to Wikipedia community philosophy and guidelines. Participants will learn about ways to contribute, including how to enhance diversity of content. Also, create user account, make your first edit, and begin brainstorming your first article.

Wednesday Jan. 18, 10 am - 12 pm, 4-251

 - What makes a good Wikipedia article? Learn about best practices and common pitfalls. Get started on research and initial drafting of your first article.

Thursday Jan. 19, 1 pm - 5 pm, 4-251

- Editing Salon with MIT Libraries and Archives -- an in-person editing session focused on training new editors and improving Wikipedia articles. Continue working on your article or start a new one, and work with others to improve Wikipedia. Stop by anytime throughout the session.

Please bring your laptop!

To reserve your spot, please contact Amy Carleton (amymarie@mit.edu) and Rebecca Thorndike-Breeze (rtb@mit.edu).