Wikipedia

Definition

Wikipedia is a free, web-based, collaborative online encyclopedia that allows users to create, edit, and publish articles on a wide range of topics. It harnesses the power of crowdsourcing and open innovation by enabling anyone with internet access to contribute content, thus creating a vast repository of knowledge that is constantly updated and improved by its users.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wikipedia was launched in January 2001 and has since grown to be one of the largest reference websites on the internet, available in multiple languages.
2. It operates on a model where articles are created and maintained by volunteers known as 'Wikipedians', emphasizing community-driven content creation.
3. Wikipedia's content is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike license, allowing others to use and remix the material freely with proper attribution.
4. The platform has guidelines and policies in place to ensure the reliability and neutrality of its articles, including sourcing from verifiable and reputable sources.
5. Wikipedia's success demonstrates the effectiveness of crowdsourcing and open innovation in creating comprehensive resources while also facing challenges related to misinformation and article quality.

Review Questions

• How does Wikipedia exemplify the principles of crowdsourcing and open innovation in its operations?
  • Wikipedia exemplifies crowdsourcing by allowing individuals from around the world to contribute their knowledge and expertise to create and edit articles. This collective effort leads to a constantly evolving encyclopedia that is enriched by diverse perspectives. Open innovation is reflected in Wikipedia's model as it not only invites contributions from users but also encourages collaboration across different fields, fostering an inclusive environment for sharing information and ideas.
• Discuss the significance of Wikipedia's licensing model in relation to its open-access approach.
  • Wikipedia's content is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike license, which allows anyone to freely use, distribute, and adapt its material as long as they provide appropriate credit. This licensing model is crucial for promoting open access to knowledge, enabling educational institutions, businesses, and individuals to benefit from a vast pool of information without financial barriers. It embodies the spirit of collaboration and sharing that is fundamental to both crowdsourcing and open innovation.
• Evaluate the challenges Wikipedia faces regarding misinformation and how they impact its credibility as a resource.
  • Despite its success as a comprehensive information platform, Wikipedia faces significant challenges related to misinformation and the quality of its articles. The open editing model can lead to inaccuracies or biased content being introduced by users who may not verify their sources. This situation poses risks for Wikipedia's credibility as a reliable resource. To address these issues, the community employs various measures such as editorial oversight, citation guidelines, and fact-checking initiatives. Balancing openness with accuracy remains a critical task for maintaining Wikipedia's reputation as an authoritative source.

Related terms

Crowdsourcing: The practice of obtaining ideas, services, or content from a large group of people, often through the internet, to leverage collective intelligence.

Open Innovation: A model that encourages organizations to use external ideas and innovations alongside internal resources to advance their technologies and product development.

Wiki: A type of website that allows users to collaboratively create and edit content, typically using a simplified markup language, exemplified by platforms like Wikipedia.