Real-World Learning with Wikipedia
Engaging University Students in Research, Writing, and Information Literacy
Abstract
This presentation will introduce WikiEdu’s Wikipedia assignment for university students, based on my experience of assigning it in two small undergraduate courses: one in world music and one in Celtic studies. By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to determine the applicability of the assignment to their own disciplines and courses, having a clear sense of how the assignment works, how it is scaffolded, the nature of instructor and student supports, and its benefits and challenges. Teaching students how to evaluate Wikipedia articles for strengths and weaknesses, locate and summarize secondary scholarly sources, and edit existing articles has many potential benefits, including improved skills in critical information literacy, research, writing, editing, and digital tools. Assigning Wikipedia editing functions as a “real-world” assignment, increasing student engagement while providing students with a real-world audience for their work. WikiEdu provides a well-developed, supported, and scaffolded Wikipedia assignment for free. An extensive library of resources is provided for both instructors and students.
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