2023:Program/Community Initiatives/JEBTLE-Empowering Participation: A User-Centered Approach to Low-Stakes Edit-a-thons
Title: Empowering Participation: A User-Centered Approach to Low-Stakes Edit-a-thons
Speakers:
Michelle Chin
Michelle is a UX designer, advocate, mentor, and environmental justice activist. Her day job involves serving the design community through knowledge sharing, building bridges, and identifying community needs. She leads the DEI committee at zeroheight and career coaches underrepresented communities in tech. When she learned about the stark gender gap in Wikipedia content, she jumped into action and hosted a few edit-a-thons around Women in Tech. She loves the idea of editing articles, but remembers how difficult and intimidating it was. So she also aimed to demystify the process and introduce new people to the world of editing while helping improve coverage in Wikipedia. Additionally, Michelle works to provide tree equity in Oakland, California. Profile photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Michelle_Chin_Headshot.jpg
Room: Room 326
Start time: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:15:00 +0800
End time: Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:35:00 +0800
Type: Lecture
Track: Community Initiatives
Submission state: confirmed
Duration: 20 minutes
Do not record: false
Presentation language: en
Abstract & description
[edit source]Abstract
[edit source]Edit-a-thons are a great way to improve Wikipedia’s coverage of specific topics and engage new contributors. However, they can be intimidating for people who have never edited before, especially those who feel they lack expertise or experience. In this talk, I’ll share my user-centered approach to hosting an edit-a-thon, where editing is approachable, fun, and low stakes for new participants.
Description
[edit source]Edit-a-thons are a great way to improve Wikipedia’s coverage of specific topics and engage new contributors. However, they can be intimidating for people who have never edited before, especially those who feel they lack expertise or experience.
In this talk, I’ll share my user-centered approach to hosting an edit-a-thon. We will cover how to make the editing process approachable, fun, and low-stakes for new participants. We’ll also review some approaches for finding, inspiring, and inviting people who are passionate about a topic but never imagined they could become Wikipedians.
We’ll walk through my experience hosting a Women in Tech edit-a-thon as a case study for these approaches. Lastly, I’ll cover the impact the edit-a-thon made on Wikipedia, the attendees, and how I’ve been able to sustain momentum and gain the interest of even more new volunteers.
By the end of the talk, you’ll have actionable takeaways and resources to replicate a user-centered approach to hosting edit-a-thons, finding passionate people, and turning their passion into a way to contribute to Wikipedia.
Further details
[edit source]Qn. How does your session relate to the event themes: Diversity, Collaboration Future?
My user-centered approach to hosting edit-a-thons focuses on teaching new people to edit Wikipedia. By bringing new people into the editing community, we’re broadening the perspectives of Wikipedia. This can help increase coverage of significant people or topics that don’t yet have visibility on Wikipedia. By hosting an edit-a-thon with a user-centered approach, we’re creating a safe space for people to learn editing skills. This fosters a community of editors, encourages them to collaborate on projects, and empowers them to continue contributing.
Qn. What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?
Some experience will be needed
Qn. What is the most appropriate format for this session?
Onsite in Singapore- Remote online participation, livestreamed
- Remote from a satellite event
- Hybrid with some participants in Singapore and others dialing in remotely
Pre-recorded and available on demand
