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To address some of the points raised in this thread -- We strongly encourage students to begin editing in their sandbox. While, yes, some students may be shy about editing Wikipedia (in fact, most are), we made this decision out of respect to the existing community. Contributing to Wikipedia teaches students about writing from a neutral point of view, when and how to cite, how to find and use sources about underrepresented groups, thereby challenging the existing cannon, etc. etc.. It's an amazing experience for all, but even our most advanced students struggle with these skills. And no matter how many times we discuss these issues in a workshop, students don't fully engage with them until they start their assignment. Encouraging them to play in the sandbox not only allows them to move forward with confidence, but also allows those supporting them to identify any issues that may be of concern to the existing community. This creates a more positive experience for all.

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​Hi Megan,

There is a page here that you might find helpful, about how to prepare students for assignments on Wikipedia.​

 

​Sorry, it's quite a lot to read, but there are some helpful links to other pages.​

Sarah