08-09, 10:45–11:25 (Poland), Tbilisi (7)
Language: English
The session will present a groundbreaking Wikipedia training program designed for autistic individuals. Recognizing their potential to enrich Wikipedia, the course bridges the gap by addressing their unique learning styles. We'll explore the project's rationale, course structure, and pilot program results, including increased participant confidence and a supportive learning community. This session is ideal for those passionate about inclusion and a more diverse Wikipedia editor base.
This session aims to showcase a groundbreaking Wikipedia training program designed for autistic individuals addressing their unique learning needs.
Project Rationale: The session will open with a discussion on the rationale behind creating a Wikipedia editing course for autistic individuals. We will explore the potential for this initiative to:
Expand Wikipedia's knowledge base by leveraging the strengths and interests of autistic people.
Foster a more inclusive online community by welcoming new editors from diverse backgrounds.
Empower autistic individuals by providing them with valuable digital literacy skills and a platform to share their knowledge.
Course Design and Delivery: We will delve into the details of the course structure, highlighting its innovative approach to cater to autistic learners. Key aspects to be covered include:
Accessible online learning modules that are concise, visually engaging, and presented in a clear and structured manner.
Interactive synchronous sessions that allow for real-time interaction, clarification of doubts, and peer-to-peer learning.
Personalized mentoring provided by experienced Wikipedia editors who are trained to understand and address the specific needs of autistic participants.
Challenges and Adaptations: The session will not shy away from discussing the challenges encountered during the pilot course delivery. We will explore these challenges with transparency and showcase the innovative adaptations made to ensure a successful endeavor. Examples may include:
Building Trust & Safe Space: Check-ins, small groups, and clear communication guidelines to foster trust and comfort in the virtual environment.
Effective Communication & Collaboration: Active listening, visual aids, structured discussions, and individual coaching addressing communication style differences and collaboration challenges.
Managing Expectations & Emotional Support: Written agreements, clear Wikipedia guidelines, prompt intervention, regular check-ins, and individual debriefing sessions ensuring a positive learning environment and addressing emotional needs.
Outcomes and Impact: A key part of the session will be sharing the positive outcomes achieved through the pilot course. We will present data and testimonials that highlight:
Increased confidence and self-esteem among autistic participants who gained valuable Wikipedia editing skills.
The creation of a supportive learning community that fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a sense of belonging.
Measurable contributions made by autistic participants to Wikipedia in the form of new and improved content.
Recommendations and Future Directions: The session will conclude by offering actionable recommendations for improving future iterations of the course. This may involve:
Refining the curriculum based on participant feedback and best practices in autism education.
Exploring partnerships with autism advocacy organizations to reach a wider audience.
Developing a train-the-trainer model to empower other communities to replicate this successful approach for neurodiverse learners.
We believe this session will spark lively discussions and inspire others to explore similar initiatives within their communities. By fostering a more inclusive Wikipedia, we can all contribute to a richer and more comprehensive encyclopedia.
Recording session: https://youtu.be/LedziGgRqZU?t=5985
This session embodies the "Collaboration of the Open" themes by demonstrating how Wikipedia can empower new contributors from autistic communities. The course design fosters an inclusive editing environment, welcoming these individuals and enriching the open knowledge base. Furthermore, the session showcases an innovative approach to Wikipedia training, reflecting the collaborative spirit and ongoing development.
What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?* –Everyone can participate in this session
How do you plan to deliver this session?* –Onsite in Katowice
What other themes or topics does your session fit into? Please choose from the list of tags below. –Collaboration, Affiliates
Originally from Brazil, I bring a blend of design thinking and educational expertise to my role as Marketing and Community Manager at Wikimedia Israel. For the past 15 years, I've thrived in both formal and informal education settings, working as a teacher, pedagogical coordinator, and school principal. More recently, my focus has shifted to educational marketing and student recruitment.
After relocating to Israel a year and a half ago, I joined Wikimedia Israel, where I leverage my passion for knowledge sharing to promote Wikipedia editing and empower new contributors.