Learn How to Write and Edit Wikipedia Articles

Sign up for a one-day Wiki-Write workshop (Bozeman, July 19) to be guided by experts through the complexities of editing Wikipedia. You will learn how to correct errors and misinformation, how to add new information, and how to include photographs, maps and links to sources of information. Experts will explain how to use and evaluate free online resources.


According to the workshop leaders, this workshop is specifically designed with a local history focus in mind. "You will gain the ability to create and improve the Wikipedia articles on your town and its historic buildings, famous leaders, schools, businesses, notable events and any other topics in Montana local and state history that you consider important for the world to know." 

• Prerequisite: All they expect is that you can handle your email.
• Place: Montana State University, Main library on Bozeman campus
• Date: Saturday July 19th
• Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
• Credit: 6 OPI renewal units
• The $10 registration fee will be waived for public libraries and teachers!
• Register online at www.wikiwritelocal.org
• Registrations accepted through June 30.
• Questions? Contact Tammy Bennert at 406-850-9744 or tammy@kaleid.net.

I'm excited about this workshop because, as many of you know, I am a big fan of projects that allow students to make genuine contributions to scholarship by sharing their research and writing skills with an authentic audience. (See here, here, and here, for example.)


I think that producing and/or editing Wikipedia articles is a possible way for students to make a meaningful contribution. This article in Learning and Digital Media examined the way four university professors integrated editing Wikipedia into their classes. Can thoughtfully designed Wikipedia assignments work in high school classes as well? Attend the workshop and see what you think!

 P.S. There's still time to take the annual Montana History and Heritage Education survey, share a favorite lesson, and possibly win a prize. Response has been great. Forty-seven of you have already responded--so I'm adding a fourth and final prize for the fifty-fifth survey respondent.