User:Barb22/reflection

Since joining the Online Communities course this semester at Northeastern University, I have been introduced to the world of a Wikipedian. Before this class I knew of Wikipedia, but now I have viewed it from a whole new angle as an active user writing and peer reviewing articles on the platform. After learning the rules and guidelines of Wikipedia and experiencing first hand what it’s like to be a newcomer to the site, I would recommend the platform implement a resources page that lists other newcomers, who are willing to share their contact information publicly to connect with other new users outside of the platform. This could create a cohort that can onboard all together in a much less isolating manner than by doing it individually.

In class, we were first introduced to community regulation and norms by authors Robert Kraut and Paul Resnick in their book “Building successful online communities: Evidence-based social design”. They discuss how users need to become educated about the norms of a community before they can officially follow them. Kraut and Resnick offer a variety of design choices that can help increase users' knowledge of such social norms but also notes that, “Even when they are aware of the norms, however, people may not always comply” (Kraut, 2012, p.150). Taking this into consideration, as a newcomer myself to Wikipedia, I first had to become aware of such norms and educate myself with Wikipedia’s policies and guidelines.

After my experience in this course ranging from writing articles to peer reviewing other articles, I would recommend Wikipedia implement a new resources page. This resources page could simply contain a list of newly registered Wikipedians (who give their consent to sharing their contact info) on a public page. All Wikipedians who register an account for the first time could be given an option to share their contact information or not. Those that choose not to share their information, won't be listed in this resources page. Those that do give their consent to sharing their contact information will have their personal emails or even phone numbers listed. This page will change every few months as newcomers become less “new” to the platform, but those users who want to have their contact shared could form an online community or cohort with other newcomers to communicate with for support as they navigate this new platform together as well as begin the onboarding process. This way other newly registered Wikipedians can connect outside of the platform to help each other out with becoming aware of certain community guidelines, norms, and assist one another with developing articles for the first time. I think this could really help boost the Wikipedia community and make it feel less isolating.

What really surprised me about this course was learning how collaborative the Wikipedia community can really be if you know how to operate within the platform properly. Initially I was frustrated since I didn’t know how to use certain tools or what certain jargon like “sandbox” meant. But after educating myself, and practicing exercises to become more familiar with the platform, I discovered how rewarding it could be within this online community, especially with my QICs. I also loved seeing how passionate and collaborative Wikipedians are in the process of developing articles. Before this course, I didn’t know how articles were developed or published on Wikipedia. However, after being a member of the community and a part of the process, I’ve learned how much time and effort truly goes into it.

In conclusion, I really enjoyed my time in the Online Communities course. Before this course, I knew of Wikipedia but never wrote an article for the platform. Since then, I’ve been challenged to learn the community guidelines, how to write articles, and how to participate in peer reviewing others. The tools and skills I gained from this class are truly unique to our digital age and society which will only take me further as I continue to contribute to the platform online.Barb22 (talk) 19:50, 5 December 2022 (UTC)