Wikipedia Paper assignment requirements and information In this ✓ Solved

In this paper, you explore information literacy by contributing to Wikipedia and analyzing that experience. The purpose of this assignment is to practice analysis and greater development of concepts and ideas. You will analyze the implications of creating knowledge by contributing to Wikipedia.

The format of the paper should be an essay with in-text citations and a Works Cited page pursuant to MLA format. More than four errors in the fundamentals of writing (grammar, punctuation, word usage, and mechanics) will result in a grade of 0. Your contribution should be at least a paragraph and can be longer. You should attach a screenshot or scan of your contribution as evidence of your contribution. This paper will likely attend to two major concepts: the first is a description of your experience, and the second is an analysis of that experience to offer insight into larger concepts such as Wikipedia, information competence, and knowledge creation.

Description: Describe what you did to contribute to Wikipedia, including the topic you selected, why you selected it, the ease or difficulty in finding a topic, the entry you wrote, the sources you relied upon, the contribution process, and any response you received.

Analysis: Explain the significance of your experience in terms of larger concepts such as the reliability of online sources, writing in a neutral point of view, and the meaning of any responses you received. Your analysis should be at least half of the paper. You should set up an account on Wikipedia, consult its policies, and write your entry in your language. The assignment helps develop your information literacy by analyzing a significant resource of information (Wikipedia) and exploring the concepts of information literacy. You must submit your essay in an organized manner with coherent patterns appropriate to the audience.

Paper For Above Instructions

The rise of digital platforms has drastically transformed the landscape of information sharing and knowledge creation. Wikipedia, a free and collaborative online encyclopedia, stands as one of the most significant examples of user-generated content on the Internet. Its unique model invites contributions from volunteers worldwide, creating a vast repository of information that is continuously updated and refined. This paper explores my experience contributing to Wikipedia, analyzing the implications of this involvement for both personal growth and broader concepts of information literacy and knowledge dissemination.

My contribution to Wikipedia revolved around the topic of 'Environmental Sustainability.' I selected this topic because of my keen interest in sustainability practices and the urgent need for awareness in modern society. The process of finding an entry that needed improvement was straightforward; Wikipedia’s editing interface provides users with insights on topics requiring expansion. Upon locating an existing entry, I noted several areas where the information was either lacking or outdated. My contribution involved expanding the section on renewable energy sources, aiming to provide a more comprehensive overview.

The difficulty I encountered stemmed from ensuring the neutrality of my writing while adequately reflecting the current state of renewable energy advancements. Wikipedia emphasizes a neutral point of view, which can be challenging, especially with topics that polarize opinions. I navigated this by relying on scientific articles, governmental reports, and credible organizations dedicated to sustainability and environmental science. This reinforced the importance of identifying reliable sources and critically evaluating information—a crucial aspect of information literacy.

Submitting this contribution felt rewarding, but it was also nerve-wracking. The aftermath of my edit prompted various responses from other users, including both constructive criticism and appreciation. Such feedback emphasized the collaborative nature of Wikipedia, highlighting that knowledge creation is not solely about individual contributions but rather a collective effort to refine and disseminate accurate information. This interaction underscored a critical realization: Wikipedia is a living platform where knowledge is shaped by community dialogue.

Analyzing my contribution has transformed my perception of Wikipedia. Initially, I viewed it as a less reliable source due to its open editing policy. However, after actively engaging in the editing process, I recognized that the platform fosters collaboration and accountability among its users. The very essence of Wikipedia relies on the idea that while it can be edited by anyone, the collective scrutiny of the community ensures a degree of reliability. This experience prompted me to reconsider the criticisms often leveled at Wikipedia, particularly those by educators who discourage its use as a source. Rather than a wholesale rejection, the focus should be on guiding users to discern credible contributions from unreliable ones.

Through this experience, I also reflected on the broader implications of volunteering knowledge in the digital age. Wikipedia represents a shift from traditional gatekeeping in publishing to a decentralized model where anyone can participate. This transition raises important questions about the reliability of information, especially in an era when misinformation can spread rapidly. Contributing to Wikipedia affirms that individuals have a role in combating misinformation by ensuring that well-researched, sourced content exists in public repositories. It highlights the importance of critical engagement with knowledge and encourages a sense of responsibility among contributors to maintain integrity in information sharing.

The gender disparity among Wikipedia editors is another significant issue highlighted through my analysis. Contributing to a platform predominantly edited by men raises questions about representation and inclusivity in available content. The underrepresentation of women contributes to biases in the topics and perspectives presented on Wikipedia. My experience ignited a desire to advocate for a more diverse range of voices, recognizing that inclusivity in content creation can lead to richer and more varied knowledge repositories. Engaging with programs that support underrepresented groups in contributing to Wikipedia, like the Women in Red initiative, reveals potential pathways for addressing this disparity.

In conclusion, my contribution to Wikipedia extended beyond a mere editing exercise. It illuminated the interplay between individual contributions and the collective goal of knowledge creation in the digital age. Analyzing this experience provided insights into the reliability of digital sources, the significance of collaborative knowledge sharing, and the need for inclusivity in content creation. As digital platforms continue to evolve, understanding the implications of our contributions to sites like Wikipedia becomes increasingly vital. My journey reflects a commitment not only to personal growth in information literacy but also to a broader commitment to fostering transparent and inclusive knowledge production.

References

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