Utilizing Wikipedia as an Educational Tool: Strategies and Techniques
Wikipedia, the world's largest and most read reference work, is a free online encyclopedia that has revolutionised the way we access and share knowledge. This remarkable platform is the brainchild of the Wikimedia Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that primarily relies on public donations and fundraising campaigns for its financing.
Available in over 329 languages, Wikipedia is a global repository of information that is accessible across various devices. Its minimalistic design, featuring mostly text with a few small images, ensures it is fast and accessible even on older devices and slower internet connections.
The content on Wikipedia is concise, focusing on defining the subject matter initially and going into more detail under sub-headings. Everything on the site is cited, usually with links that allow for fact-checking of sources or claims. Furthermore, Wikipedia boasts great linking within articles for a deeper understanding of concepts.
Wikipedia's success can be attributed to its collaborative nature. It is written and maintained by the public and volunteers, with approved moderators checking added entries for accuracy. This approach has resulted in over 300,000 active editors and more than 105 million active users.
In the educational sphere, Wikipedia serves as a valuable tool for teaching students how to check facts and research sources. It can be an engaging classroom activity to create a Wikipedia article with the class, then have students create their own pieces based on a specialist subject. Alternatively, an assignment strategy could be to write an assignment on a subject using original sources, without using Wikipedia in the written work.
Wikipedia's 'procrastination' model, waiting until there is a problem before fixing it, has been a key factor in its efficiency. However, it is important to note that the site is run by volunteers and funded by contributions, so it relies heavily on its users to pay for servers and help volunteers.
In 2022, Wikipedia was ranked as the fifth most popular website in the world. Its claim as the largest and most read reference work in history is a testament to its impact and reach. For those who wish to contribute to this global understanding, creating one's own Wikipedia entry can be a rewarding experience.
For teachers seeking resources, the New Teacher Starter Kit and Best Digital Tools for Teachers are useful resources that incorporate Wikipedia as a teaching aid. In conclusion, Wikipedia remains a quick and easy access point for facts and figures on various topics, making it an indispensable tool in our digital age.
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