The Challenge
Wikipedia and K-12 have an interesting relationship. The encyclopedia anyone can edit has been known to cause quite a bit of angst for many educators. However, Wikipedia is the 5th most visited website on the planet, which we know our students use . . . frequently.
Aligned with your goals
Think for a moment about the skills you work so hard for your students to master: Careful reading, critical thinking, concise writing, ability to evaluate and utilize source material, and to harmoniously exist in an ever expanding connected world. These are all skills that can be safely practiced and mastered with Wikipedia.
Our Mission
We at Wiki K12 want to not only help educators understand how Wikipedia can be a useful resource, but to empower students (and teachers!) by turning them into Wikipedians - the editors of Wikipedia. Understanding how to consume content from Wikipedia, and learning how to contribute to this global resource are skills students will utilize long after leaving your classroom.
“The student coming to college with a Wikipedia account and 50+ edits is ahead of the curve, and well placed for success in today’s academic climate.”
Wikipedia Statistics & Literature
Don't take our word for it. Wikipedia keeps an impressive list of statistics, and there has been much written about the quality of content found on the site.
Launch!
If you are ready to shoot for the stars, then let's get to it! There are several options for you and your students to get started with Wiki K12.
Let's talk about validity and reliability.
We live in interesting times. With terms like fake news surfacing almost daily and occasional sourcing slip ups by respected publications, we all are faced with questions of valid and reliable information. Since its founding 17 years ago, Wikipedia has been the focus of many studies pertaining to its validity and reliability. If you are skeptical, it may be worth a deeper look.
A complement to your
great work.
Each day, you aim to provide your students with meaningful activities and high quality content. We strive to honor your efforts by providing your students with authentic opportunities to add depth and perspective to their experiences in your classroom.
A labor of love.
Wiki K12 has been a dream of mine for some time, as I truly love what Wikipedia has done for humanity. With so much potential for teachers and students, Wiki K12 is worth my best effort. That said, there is no huge budget for advertising, no venture capitalist funding and no concern for profit.
Having been in K-12 for twenty years, as a teacher and IT Director, I am aware of the challenges you all face, and committed to providing a high quality and ultra affordable service.
So please, if you are interested to discuss this further, it would be a great pleasure to share what Wiki K12 can do for you and your students.
Thank you!
David Barclay II
