WikipediaVision is a nearly real-time visualization showing worldwide updates to Wikipedia entries. Pictured on a map of the world, bubbles pop up to pinpoint where on the globe anonymous editors are changing Wikipedia articles. It's a surprisingly mesmerizing site. Seeing which entries are being changed – by unexpected users in unlikely locations – is a lively reminder of Wikipedia's all-access policy. It's also a good grain of salt to add to our romantic trust in Wikipedia's accuracy.
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| Source: WikipediaVision |
In the classroom, WikipediaVision offers a great jumping-off point to discuss global collaboration and worldwide access to technology. It also presents an easy way to evaluate the pros and cons of Wikipedia's open-source model, where anyone can edit any article. These issues of accuracy and source quality are crucial for young researchers. They may be surprised to see who is rewriting articles about Thurgood Marshall, climatology, and Don't Ask Don't Tell.
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| Source: WikipediaVision |
