How should Wikipedia be properly used?

1- A popular yet controversial website

Wikipedia has changed access to knowledge: nowadays most people no longer go to the library in order to consult an encyclopedia.

This is due to the fact that anyone with Internet connection and a device can find information online. In that case, the student takes an online encyclopedia for a book .

Roman is a contributor to the website since it was 13-14 years old. He usually edits and administers the website after school. He is volunteer.

Etymology:

- “Wiki”= a website that anyone can edit

- “Pedia”= from encyclopedia

It is online there is no printed version , it is fully collaborative anyone can modify/change/edit the article on any topic.

How should Wikipedia be properly used?

- You must check the sources of the article before trusting it

- You must compare wiki's article to other websites

- Check the reliability of the articles since nobody is paid to contribute

- The first point of research only (look at the references at the bottom of the page )

- Look for verified articles some are semi-protected, got badges, etc.

Isn’t the collaborative advantage of the website also a limit?

There would’ve been no articles written in Scots/ the website would be empty if he didn’t contribute, nobody will blame him for what he has done now that we are aware of the mistakes/inaccuracies. He simply appreciated learning a new language, and only had good intentions, Or some people may agreed that he “vandalized” Scots since he was not qualified to do so.

3- The impact of Wikipedia

- diversity of articles to edit (open source)

- debating to write a single version of an article

- unique way to volunteer

- Enjoying offering free knowledge to anyone in their own language

- Sharing information on topics they are fond of

- People make a huge difference: an investment for your children’s future

4- An impossible neutrality

The issue is the gender gap in participation on Wikipedia. Women contribute less than men. They suffer from stereotypes, such as “women don’t like criticism don’t like conflicts, don’t have the technical skills to edit.”

What is the solution offered to fix the gender gap? Say why the issue is so critical.

Problems: harassment, online, sexual advances, trolling, stalking

Solutions: more people watching/checking what’s going on, raising awareness thanks to/through a new user reporter system, to write an universal code of conduct.

Critical issue: the website is supposed to educate, and to let people express themselves freely. However, not all types of humans are included in this project.

Méthodologie, comment convaincre faire passer un message:

- utiliser des exemples concrets -> harassment

- accentuer sa voix, insister (si conversation)

...