Entomopathogenic fungi are found in several distinct lineages within the fungi (and in the Oomycetes, a group of organisms that were formerly included in the fungal kingdom). They have a range of life cycles, but typically use enzymes to bore a hole in the insect’s exoskeleton and infect the host. They can be useful in the biological control of certain insect pests, and some species are also useful in bioremediation, because they can produce enzymes able to break down certain harmful synthetic compounds.

Although the Wikipedia article on entomopathogenic fungi has existed since 2006, the article remained fairly short and undeveloped until the Fall 2024 term when a student in Kasey Fowler-Finn’s Advanced Evolution class started working to expand the article. 

The student editor reworked the article from top to bottom, more than tripling its size and adding 29 new references to the scholarly literature. The article now does a much better job of capturing the diversity of life cycles exhibited by entomopathogenic fungi, and includes details about the many different phyla of fungi that exhibit this type of activity. 

In addition to this, they also added a section about the evolutionary history of entomopathogenicity, noting that the ability to infect insects had evolved many times in different fungal lineages. The ability to infect insects has also been lost many times across different lineages, creating an even more complicated picture. 

And importantly for people who don’t love fungi for their own sake, the article now includes information of their use in the biological control of several insect pests, and their use in bioremediation. 

When you edit an article on Wikipedia, you’re adding to the knowledge that’s accessible to the public at large. Will an expanded article about entomopathogenic fungi change the world? Maybe. Perhaps someone will stumble upon it and it will pique their interest in a new field and they will discover a new way to break down toxic chemicals. Or someone will read it and make some new connections about something in their own field. Or maybe someone will find “entomopathogenic” to be a fascinating word that draws their interest toward linguistics. 

There’s no guarantee that expanding a Wikipedia article will change the world, but there’s always a chance you’ll change someone’s world. After all, even an article about a topic as obscure as this one has received over 9,000 page views since a student editor started working on it.

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

Inspired by his previous research experiences, Ariyaratne focused his efforts on improving the Wikipedia articles for type 1 diabetes and the RAGE receptor, adding valuable information and several new sections to both articles. 

Thousands of words and more than 70 new citations later, and Ariyaratne’s contributions to Wikipedia have already been viewed hundreds of thousands of times. 

Throughout the project, Ariyaratne aimed to ensure that his contributions would provide readers with a clearer understanding of the complexity and dynamism of the biological systems involved in both topics, as well the ongoing challenges and advancements in the field of diabetes research.

And the benefits of Ariyaratne’s Wikipedia assignment aren’t limited to only those who will read his work. The experience also enhanced his own understanding of the topic, along with sharpening his writing and research skills, he explained.

“During my contributions to Wikipedia, I refined my expertise in scientific communication and critical analysis, essential for synthesizing complex research findings into coherent, accessible content,” said Ariyaratne. “This task required rigorous validation of information and precise articulation of intricate biological mechanisms, thereby enhancing my competency in data interpretation and literature evaluation – skills integral to scientific inquiry and academic rigor.”

Interested in learning more about Ariyaratne’s experience editing Wikipedia as part of his coursework? Explore our interview below to find out how he views Wikipedia’s role in shaping public perception and understanding, what he enjoyed most about his Wikipedia assignment, and why he plans to continue to edit the online encyclopedia.

How did you feel about your assignment on Wikipedia compared to a traditional assignment?

Editing Wikipedia differed markedly from traditional academic assignments in both scope and impact. Unlike traditional assignments, which are typically confined to the academic environment and primarily assessed by instructors, contributing to Wikipedia allowed me to engage with a global audience. This broadened the significance of my work, as the content I edited and updated could potentially influence public knowledge and understanding worldwide.

The real-time, collaborative nature of Wikipedia editing also introduced a unique set of challenges and rewards. It required a heightened level of accountability and thoroughness, knowing that the information provided would be publicly accessible and subject to scrutiny by an extensive community of editors and readers. This added a practical dimension to my academic training, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and the impact of shared knowledge.

This experience was enriching and empowering, offering a tangible connection between my academic studies and their real-world applications. It fostered a sense of responsibility and pride in contributing to an educational resource that people rely on every day, which is a distinct and valuable departure from the typical results of traditional assignments.

How was writing this particular content meaningful to you?

Engaging in the editing and creation of science-related content for Wikipedia has been profoundly meaningful to my professional development and scholarly pursuits. This process allowed me to apply and expand my understanding of bioinformatics and molecular biology, areas critical to my research on disease pathophysiology. By translating complex scientific theories and data into accessible content, I played a direct role in circulating accurate scientific knowledge.

How would you describe the power of Wikipedia?

Wikipedia plays a substantial influence in shaping global awareness and understanding of a vast array of topics due to its universal accessibility and extensive reach. As an open-source platform that allows users from all over the world to edit and contribute, it provides access to information and makes knowledge accessible to anyone with internet access. This inclusivity is crucial for educational equity and promotes a diverse range of perspectives in content creation.

Moreover, Wikipedia’s model encourages continual updates and revisions, ensuring that information remains current and reflective of the latest consensus in various fields, including science and medicine. This dynamic process of content refinement helps maintain reliability and accuracy, despite the open-edit nature of the platform. I also believe that Wikipedia is a tool that is used in bridging the gap between expert knowledge and general understanding.

What was your favorite part of editing Wikipedia?

My favorite part of editing Wikipedia was the satisfaction I felt from contributing towards global knowledge. This platform allowed me to directly enhance the accuracy and depth of information available to millions around the world. Specifically, I enjoyed incorporating cutting-edge scientific research into articles, ensuring that complex and evolving topics like Type 1 diabetes and the RAGE receptor are represented with the most current and comprehensive data. This task not only deepened my own understanding but also allowed me to share crucial scientific insights in a way that is accessible to a broad audience.

Moreover, the immediate and visible impact of my contributions provided a unique satisfaction that traditional academic work rarely offers. Knowing that the updates I made could help students, educators, researchers, and the curious public to better understand complex scientific topics was incredibly rewarding. The collaborative and dynamic nature of the Wikipedia community, where edits can be discussed and refined collectively, also added a layer of engagement and community interaction that enriched the experience further.

What was your least favorite part?

One technical challenge I experienced while editing Wikipedia involved mastering the Wiki markup language (Wikitext). For those without prior experience, the learning curve can be challenging. Ensuring that articles are not only factually accurate but also well-organized and visually appealing requires proficiency in this specialized language.

Will you continue to edit?

I will of course continue to edit. My experience editing Wikipedia has been immensely rewarding, offering me the opportunity to contribute to the global exchange of knowledge on crucial scientific topics. I plan to continue editing and updating articles, as this aligns with my commitment to educating the public as well as my passion for science communication. Engaging with this platform allows me to stay connected with the latest research developments and ensures that information shared with the public remains accurate and relevant. This ongoing involvement not only strengthens my own understanding but also supports my professional growth in the field of sciences and medicine.

Our support for STEM classes like Gallage Ariyaratne’s is available thanks to the Guru Krupa Foundation.

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

– Ekaterina Schiavone Hennighausen, first-year student at The George Washington University

And to the benefit of readers worldwide, Schiavone’s attention to detail paid off. When assigned the task of editing Wikipedia as part of her coursework last term, the international business major decided to combine her passion for sports with the mission to improve Wikipedia’s coverage of women.

“I’m really big into sports and I wanted to make sure that there’s a section talking about the women involved in Formula One, because they’re such a huge contributor to the sport, but they weren’t mentioned at all on Wikipedia,” explained Schiavone. 

Thanks to her efforts, the highly-trafficked article now includes a section with information about female engineers, past drivers, and other notable women involved in the sport. 

Last month, Schiavone and three other postsecondary student editors from across the country gathered virtually as the featured panelists for our Speaker Series webinar “Beyond the Classroom: Student editors improve Wikipedia.” Although the four students had never connected previously, their collaborative discussion often led to the discovery of shared sentiments, experiences, and reflections.

Like Schiavone, North Carolina Central University graduate student Johnny Shanahan felt an increased pressure from the open, accessible nature of Wikipedia, but his uncertainty quickly turned to appreciation.

“The public-facing element was maybe a little intimidating at first glance, but it ended up being a huge advantage throughout the whole process,” explained Shanahan, who created a new article for chemist Joseph Gordon II. “We had partners assigned for our subjects, and it’s not always easy to write something with more than one person contributing. The platform itself made it really, really easy and helpful, and there weren’t any bumps in the road that I had in other classes where we had group projects.” 

While Shanahan noted that he generally received positive feedback from Wikipedia editors, his fellow panelist Jianan Li experienced a rockier start to her work creating a new Wikipedia article about loneliness in old age.

After reviewing the constructive feedback her draft received and more thoroughly exploring the structure of existing Wikipedia articles, the UCLA graduate student set out to revise her text, rewriting the article in a more neutral tone and removing the argumentative style she was accustomed to using.

While Wikipedia already had a lengthy article about loneliness, Li was surprised at how little the article talked about older adults, given that they are at particular risk. During the panel discussion, Li expressed gratitude to the Wikipedia editors who engaged with her work on the new article, providing the feedback needed to align the article with Wikipedia’s style and tone.

“I feel this community is so alive because they are real people,” said Li, who ultimately received a special token of appreciation from a Wikipedia editor in recognition of her efforts. “They really make contributions to the articles with you, together. And on the talk page you will see a ‘thank’ button, so you can always thank them for their feedback and contributions that make this process more fun.”

As the panel discussion came to a close, moderator Brianda Felix asked the students to share something about their Wikipedia experience that surprised them. Brigham Young University history major Phoebe England highlighted three key areas:

“First, that I could even edit Wikipedia – I didn’t know that I, as a college student, could do that,” she emphasized. “Another thing was just how regulated Wikipedia is, and then the last thing that surprised me is how many people and things aren’t on Wikipedia that should be. It’s just insane the gaps that are there. I think this is such a great project for students because there’s still so many people and things that should be on Wikipedia that just aren’t yet.”

Schiavone, who was also surprised by Wikipedia’s regulations and editing guidelines,  echoed England’s reflection.

“It was really interesting to unravel everything that I learned in high school about Wikipedia,” said Schiavone. “There are so many people editing and monitoring what’s being put on Wikipedia that it can actually be used as a really helpful source and not just a starting place.”

Catch up on our Speaker Series on our YouTube channel and join us for our next webinar tomorrow, March 13!

Persistence & Progress: Confronting Wikipedia’s gender imbalance

Thursday, March 13 (10 am PST / 1 pm EST)
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Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada. 

Even if you haven’t yet taught with a Wikipedia assignment, enrolled in a Wiki Scholars & Scientists editing course, or engaged with other efforts to improve the world’s go-to online encyclopedia, Wikipedia’s persisting gender gap probably comes as no surprise to you – a gap that extends from its content across disciplines to its content contributors themselves. Over the years, Wiki Education’s programs and resources have empowered academics, students, and subject matter experts to move the needle on this imbalance, and today we’re reflecting on just a snapshot of their work to expand the coverage of women in science.

One of the most straightforward and impactful ways to enhance Wikipedia’s coverage of underrepresented notable figures is to create new biographies for those who lack their own articles or to improve existing biographies. And year after year, professors like Glenn Dolphin at the University of Calgary empower their students to do just this.

Last term, Dolphin incorporated his eighth Wikipedia assignment into his annual Introduction to Geology course, charging his students with the mission of creating new Wikipedia articles and improving existing content about famous women geologists and other underrepresented people in the field. In his most recent course alone, Dolphin’s students improved or created articles for 37 women scientists, including geologist, politician, and diplomat Judi Wakhungu and micropaleontologist Helen Jeanne Skewes Plummer. Over the years since he first taught with Wikipedia, Dolphin’s students have added more than 350K words and 3,330 references to Wikipedia, creating content that has been viewed 2.63 million times.

Unlike Dolphin, biologist Emily Sylwestrak at the University of Oregon was new to incorporating the Wikipedia assignment into her pedagogy last term, but she too tasked her students with the mission to create new biographies of women in the sciences. Thanks to the efforts of Sylwestrak’s class, we can now learn about prominent female figures in fields such as marine biology (Natalya Gallo, Ana K. Spalding) and chemistry (Sibrina Collins, Cynthia Chapple).

And as Wiki Education’s curriculum emphasizes, improving representation is not just about creating articles or adding new sections to existing articles. By citing more sources authored by female scientists, taking a critical eye to the weight of existing sections, adding links to other related articles, and considering the role of images on Wikipedia, editors can also make significant impact on this topic area through smaller edits.

While Wiki Education supports hundreds of faculty each term to assign their students Wikipedia coursework, faculty and other subject area experts across the world also enroll in our professional development courses to improve content through their own contributions. 

Thanks to support from the American Physical Society, we’ve offered 10 courses since 2019 to teach scientists how to add their expertise to Wikipedia, many of whom have focused their efforts on enhancing the coverage of women in sciences. 

Prior to the work of the course participants, prominent female scientists including Leticia del Rosario, the first Puerto Rican woman to earn a PhD in physics, and Silke Bühler-Paschen, a solid-state physicist, were absent from Wikipedia, and the content of others with existing articles was limited. Throughout the courses, participants transformed Wikipedia’s existing coverage of figures like chemist Ka Yee Christina Lee, materials scientist Julia R. Greer, and astronomical sciences professor Gillian Knapp, and so many others, expanding the world’s understanding of women’s contributions to the sciences.

Today, we celebrate the efforts of all who have worked to improve representation of women in science  – and all who will read their stories on Wikipedia and be inspired to follow their own professional dreams. 

Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

“I did not know there was such a significant gap in coverage of minority groups, so increasing representation and visibility on Wikipedia is important!” explained Ashley, a senior studying chemical engineering. “Being able to highlight the many accomplishments of Lisa Secat DeLuca is meaningful in that it can challenge stereotypes in STEM and give a more inclusive viewpoint to those who see our article. The potential to broaden the public’s perception of who can excel in STEM is exciting.”

Working together to tackle their Wikipedia assignment, Ashley and Rezwan divided the research and writing into sections including DeLuca’s early life, professional life, and ventures outside her primary work focus. The duo then wove together their individual contributions to create their collaborative text for the article, hoping readers feel as inspired by DeLuca’s trajectory as they were throughout their research.

“Highlighting a woman in STEM was part of the appeal of covering DeLuca,” noted sophomore Rezwan. “As a computer science major, I hear little about the diverse figures contributing to the field. It was fulfilling to be part of the movement to bring these excellent minds to light so that more people know that STEM is for everyone.”

As one of the first reference points for people seeking information and a source of data for AI tools, Wikipedia has the power to increase public awareness of notable figures like DeLuca, explained Ashley. 

“Her presence on Wikipedia makes her achievements accessible to a global audience,” said Ashley. “While writing, I really thought about the tone of the article. It was important to write in a way that was professional, unbiased, and easy to understand for any possible viewers.”

Creating DeLuca’s Wikipedia article required an open mind and thorough research, noted Ashley – skills that will translate well to her career goals as a chemical engineer. 

Echoing Ashley’s reflection, Rezwan also outlined connections between the assignment and his own career goals in software development.

“Writing a Wikipedia article was an excellent exercise in research and writing for a public audience,” said Rezwan. “I want to work in software development after graduating, and being able to research a topic is an essential skill in this field. Furthermore, communicating well is vital, and Wikipedia has built my confidence as our edits are still live!”

Both student editors expressed their surprise at how easy it was to make edits and add sources to the online encyclopedia, referencing helpful built-in tools like the automatic citation generator, as well as the comprehensive training modules and guidance from Wiki Education.

Rezwan, who has since made other contributions to Wikipedia, underscored his appreciation for the unique perspectives brought by editors of diverse backgrounds. Ashley also emphasized the impact that can be made through even minor edits from a variety of editors.

“It’s beneficial to work on an article even if the edits are small, because then the articles can represent a broader collection of facts and insight from all editors,” she explained.

Ashley’s and Rezwan’s work on Wikipedia is part of a larger Wiki Education initiative sponsored by the Broadcom Foundation, which supports the creation of new biographies of diverse people in STEM on Wikipedia.

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

“Wikipedia’s reach and accessibility make it a powerful tool for democratizing knowledge and amplifying underrepresented perspectives,” said LeFever, reflecting on his Wikipedia assignment experience in the Political Parties course he took last term. “This assignment felt more impactful because it allowed me to engage with real-world audiences and make a tangible contribution to public discourse.”

LeFever, a political science major focusing on social justice and race-related issues, hopes his efforts to improve the felony disenfranchisement in the United States article on Wikipedia will help prevent the spread of misinformation by giving readers a more complete understanding of the topic. The historical context and layered implications of denying felons the right to vote are critical to a more nuanced perspective, he explained.

“Felony disenfranchisement disproportionately affects marginalized communities and perpetuates systemic inequality in the United States,” emphasized LeFever. “I chose this topic to shed light on these injustices and ensure the information is accessible to a broad audience.”

The new Wikipedian transformed several parts of the article, adding more than 1,100 words to underdeveloped sections that outline the economic, political, health, and recidivism implications of felony disenfranchisement. LeFever also added new details about state-specific reform efforts and context for how felony disenfranchisement policies in the United States disproportionately impact people of color.

“I wanted to ensure the article was balanced, well-sourced and emphasized the racial and socio-economic disparities tied to felony disenfranchisement,” said LeFever. “I hope readers come away understanding how voting restrictions contribute to broader patterns of disenfranchisement.”

While LeFever hopes readers will learn from his work, his own learning experience extended well beyond the topic itself.

“I learned to critically evaluate sources, identify bias, and distill complex information into accessible content, [all] essential for navigating today’s information landscape,” explained LeFever. 

He also noted that the assignment sharpened his research, fact-checking, and writing abilities – skills that will be invaluable as he pursues a career in public policy or advocacy, with a focus on civil rights and equity.

While he initially found Wikipedia’s formatting policies a bit challenging, LeFever embraced the chance to learn something new and enjoyed seeing his work live and accessible on the site. 

“It felt rewarding to contribute to a larger conversation,” said LeFever, who plans to continue to edit in his free time. “This experience has shown me how powerful Wikipedia can be as a platform for advocacy and education.”

Wiki Education thanks the Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation for their support of impactful student work like LeFever’s to enhance accuracy of information and promote digital citizenship on Wikipedia. 

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

One Wikipedia assignment, more than 3,500 words, and 36 new references later, and the Irwin County Detention Center Wikipedia article has been completely transformed – thanks to England’s efforts to provide readers with a more comprehensive overview of its history, which includes allegations of non-consensual surgeries performed on female detainees. 

As the article outlines, more than 40 women detainees and a nurse at the facility came forward in 2020 alleging that unnecessary medical procedures, including hysterectomies, were conducted on women without their consent. But concerns for the health and wellbeing of detainees were raised long before the highly-publicized allegations in 2020, explained England.

“News articles sensationalized this dehumanizing experience of immigrant women,” said England. “However, what was missed in the hype of it all, whether you believed the women’s experiences to be true, is that the treatment of immigrants had been poor long before that at the detention center and that any abuse no matter how big or small should be addressed regardless of whether it makes a good headline or not.”

Before England’s edits, the article contained one short paragraph that focused on the 2020 allegations. Now, the article provides readers with several new sections, including other allegations made before 2020, a more detailed summary of the 2020 allegations, the legal aftermath of the 2020 allegations, and the 2022 report outlining the United States Senate’s investigation of the center. 

“When I talked to people about my topic, many disregarded the story and said that events like these surely could not be happening in our current time,” said England. “I wanted people to know that immigrant detainees have been poorly treated and continue to be treated that way, and that this is not an isolated event.”

England emphasized that while she personally believes the women’s allegations, she wants readers to be able to make their own determinations based on the facts. 

Reflecting on the impact of her edits, England underscored the crucial role of Wikipedia’s volunteer editors in making information accessible to everyone.

“In this day and age, people are all about instant gratification,” noted England. “They want quick information that is easily accessible, and Wikipedia can easily make that knowledge accessible and reliable. It’s just down to Wikipedia editors to make sure that there are articles written about these topics and that they are written/sourced well.” 

England, who considered her assignment to improve Wikipedia a win-win for everyone, enjoyed the opportunity to develop her research and writing skills in a new way.

“While I do love writing historical analyses, it was super fun to do something different,” said England.  “I put in a lot of work and effort to make sure that this article was as unbiased as possible. It is also kind of cool to say you have something published on Wikipedia  – I sent the link to all of my family.” 

As an aspiring history professor, England recognized the value of bringing research to the public in an accessible way.

“While writing scholarly articles is important, I think it is extremely important to be able to synthesize that information for the general public in a more informal manner,” explained England. “That way your information can be used for good rather than just sitting and collecting dust. I would totally be willing to assign my future students a Wikipedia writing assignment!” 

England’s editing efforts are part of our three-year initiative to improve humanities and social justice content on Wikipedia – the largest campaign of its kind in history. Read more.

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

As the world grows more urbanized, urban and suburban areas provide a barrier to wildlife reliant on increasingly fragmented natural habitats while also providing new opportunities for species that can tolerate close association with humans. This fall, Brooklyn College students in Tony Wilson’s Principles of Ecology course brought their classroom content to Wikipedia to improve how the encyclopedia covers both of these interconnected topics.

“While the internet is a rich source of information, primary scientific sources are typically very dense and written in jargon that is difficult for the public to understand,” explained Wilson. “At the same time, many of the webpages, blogs and tweets that the public see on the internet are provided without attribution, creating potential confusion and discord. Wikipedia has built a unique brand associated with ‘knowledge integrity’, with an integrated network of writers and editors working to ensure that the information provided is truthful and provided without bias. ” 

At its best, Wilson explained, Wikipedia offers an invaluable service in providing accessible, user-friendly and accurate information in ecology, environmental science, and a range of other fields. 

Working as individuals and in groups, Wilson’s 21 students contributed nearly 31,000 words and more than 200 references to Wikipedia, helping raise public awareness of correlated topics such as wildlife species and their habitats, climate change, and ecological conservation. 

One trio of student editors focused their efforts on the urban evolution article, completely transforming nearly every section to outline the complex effects of factors like urban pollution, urban habitat fragmentation, and resource availability on urban evolution. 

For some species, urban environments offer a space to thrive with few predators and a ready source of food. For others, urban environments are habitats rich in prey species, with few other competitors. But urban environments are always challenging places to live, with higher temperatures (due to the urban heat island effect), higher levels of air, water and noise pollution, and greater oxidative stress. These factors create an environment where species are subject to very intense selective pressures, driving evolution in species populations that inhabit urban environments. 

As the three student editors expanded the article, they added detailed explanations of these selective pressures and highlighted examples of how species have evolved in response to them. Readers can now learn about how white-footed mice’s teeth have changed to handle the available food sources in New York City, and how raccoons have demonstrated increased behavioral flexibility and learning abilities by adapting to their urban environments. The student editors also discussed non-adaptive genetic changes in urban populations (like genetic drift) as a result of isolation and habitat fragmentation.

While some urban wildlife can use buildings, small parks, and backyards as habitat, other species depend on larger and more specialized areas. Coney Island Creek in Brooklyn is an important patch of habitat for many wildlife species that depend on wetlands. It also represents a heavily impacted and polluted area, illustrating how even wildlife habitat in cities can differ sharply from non-urban habitat.

This urban waterway is the product of centuries of human manipulation of a coastal wetland, coupled with recent efforts to restore parts of it. Three classmates, including biology major Arianna Arregui, added 4,400 words and 41 references to the Coney Island Creek Wikipedia article to enhance the coverage of its wildlife habitat, along with several of the aquatic and terrestrial species which depend on the area. Arregui’s group also added valuable information about the impacts of restoration projects, the limits of these efforts, and the many needs that still remain.

“Coney Island Creek holds significant historical and ecological value that often goes unnoticed,” explained Arregui. “With proper advocacy, meaningful changes can be made to support its restoration and inspire future ecological projects. As a native New Yorker, I’ve often felt that connecting with nature in an urban setting can be challenging, which is why Coney Island Creek resonated with my interests in urban ecology and environmental protection.” 

While urban habitat provides opportunities for some species, for most species it represents a loss of habitat and a barrier that fragments them into smaller populations with higher risks of extinction. Rapid development in Florida resulted in the loss of wildlife habitat, and fragmented what was left into smaller patches that are capable of supporting fewer species. Species in habitat fragments are more prone to extinction, and if they go extinct locally, it’s very difficult for others to recolonize these now-vacant patches of suitable habitat. The role of the Florida Wildlife Corridor – whose Wikipedia article was transformed by another group of students in Wilson’s course – is to improve the connection between Florida’s state parks, national forests, and wildlife management areas.

By expanding information about the bipartisan legislative efforts that created these corridors and the conservation benefits that they provided, the students provided readers with a more complete understanding of their history and ecological role. The student editors also highlighted the challenges faced by the network and the ways in which these kinds of networks hurt wildlife by allowing invasive species to spread between protected areas.

Thanks to the work of Wilson’s students this semester, Wikipedia now gives readers a more nuanced understanding of the way wildlife interacts with expanding urbanization – and provides critical insights into what the future may look like in a warmer and increasingly urbanized world.

Wiki Education thanks the Horne Family Foundation for their support of this work to improve Wikipedia content related to species habitat, wildlife populations, and the impact of climate change.

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.

But thanks to the support of the Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation, postsecondary students across the U.S. and Canada have been busy combating misinformation head on by improving the world’s go-to source of information – Wikipedia!

By filling in gaps in the online encyclopedia through their Wikipedia assignments, student editors ensure that readers have access to more complete, reliable, and high-quality information online. From historic court cases to climate change, birthright citizenship, and more, students brought nearly 10,000 new references and almost one million words to more than 1,200 Wikipedia articles with the support of the Rapoport Foundation this year.

As an easily accessible and trusted source of information, there’s no doubt that Wikipedia helps counteract false narratives and inform decision-making. But on the flipside, when a topic’s Wikipedia article is underdeveloped or simply doesn’t exist, a reader can make inferences based on their preconceptions and inherent biases.

For example, are you familiar with community policing? If not, you’d probably make some inferences about it simply based on its name. Essentially, it’s a model of law enforcement collaborating with community groups and citizens to produce safer and more secure communities – the theory is that it makes citizens more likely to cooperate with the police by improving their perceptions of the police, while also improving the attitudes and accountability of the officers. 

While community policing is generally portrayed as an effective alternative to more adversarial models like “broken windows theory”, scholars have raised concerns about both its ethics and efficacy. Thanks to the work of a student in the Criminal Justice Reform course at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth this fall, much of this critique is now reflected in the Community policing Wikipedia article. By adding this missing perspective, the student editor was able to give readers a broader and more balanced body of information from which to draw their own conclusions about the practice.

The impact of this critical student work on Wikipedia isn’t limited to the content improved; the digital media literacy and research skills developed by the student editors will continue to serve them as they move forward as engaged citizens. Through the process, students learn to identify gaps and misrepresentations in content, explore vast collections of research to accurately summarize topics for the public, and recognize the quality of the sources they find. 

“This project demands that students develop critical thinking, digital discernment, and distributed work environment skills through the process of creating knowledge for a global audience,” explained one professor this term.

Echoing this reflection, other fall term instructors explained how the Wikipedia assignment was “an authentic way for students to understand the value of research and use of credible, non-biased sources” and how it “help[s] students distinguish unbiased from biased material, neutral vs promotional material.”

Wiki Education expresses our sincere gratitude to the Rapoport Foundation for their support of this impactful work to combat misinformation and improve public access to accurate and more complete information online.

Interested in incorporating a Wikipedia assignment into your course? Visit teach.wikiedu.org to learn more about the free resources, digital tools, and staff support that Wiki Education offers to postsecondary instructors in the United States and Canada.