Wikimedia Academy: A Gamified Platform to Onboard New Editors

A collaboration with Jolanta Drzewakowska & Ada Jakubowska

Attracting new editors and keeping them engaged is a challenge that Wikimedia communities worldwide face. Editing Wikipedia can feel intimidating, and many new users abandon their journey after just one attempt. The barriers to entry—learning principles, tools, and etiquette—are simply too high.

So, how can we make the first step into the Wikimedia universe easier, more engaging, and even enjoyable?

The Birth of the Wikimedia Academy

Wikimedia Polska, in partnership with Grow Uperion, an IT company, created the Wikimedia Academy, a gamification platform designed to onboard and train new Wikipedia editors.

The platform uses game mechanics to introduce participants to Wikipedia’s core principles, values, and editing techniques in a dynamic and engaging way. Users solve tasks, collect points, and compete against each other while learning to navigate Wikipedia confidently.

After completing the course, participants can:

• Perform their first successful edits on Wikipedia.

• Understand key policies like neutrality, verification, and collaboration.

• Explore the Wikimedia community and seek support when needed.

 Ada’s Story: Bridging Knowledge Gaps for Students

Meet Ada, Senior Technical Support Specialist at Wikimedia Polska. Ada, together with irreplaceable volunteers, created the platform content and now introduces and coordinates the different groups of participants to the Wikimedia Academy, using the platform to lower the entry barrier for young editors. 

“This is not just another course. It feels like a game, but you’re learning something impactful—how to contribute to Wikipedia!” — Ada

So far, 210 participants have joined the game, including students from Poznań and Łódź universities. And the journey doesn’t stop there.

The base of knowledge and first steps:

Expanding the Academy

Next on the horizon? The Wikimedia Academy will reach senior learners through collaboration with two NGOs supporting older adults. This age group brings unique perspectives and expertise to Wikipedia, and we believe that with the right tools, they can thrive in the editing community.

Tasks to do:

Tasks and Rewards Which Making Learning Fun

The platform transforms learning into an engaging experience. Users tackle real Wikipedia tasks, like:

• Making individual edits to Wikipedia and earning points for this

• Taking quizzes to solidify their understanding of key principles, such as Wikipedia’s neutrality and free knowledge philosophy.

Each completed task rewards users, encouraging them to progress through the modules step by step.

Want to learn about info boxes? You can win 100 points!

Partnership: When Innovation Meets Collaboration

The Wikimedia Academy is a testament to the power of collaboration between an NGO and a private company.

Wikimedia Polska lacked the budget to develop a gamified platform independently. At a conference, a chance meeting with Grow Uperion sparked the idea of a barter partnership.

Here’s how it worked:

• Grow Uperion developed the platform, leveraging their IT expertise.

• Wikimedia Polska showcased the platform in webinars, conferences, and social media, highlighting the collaboration.

Both sides benefited—proof that partnerships don’t always require cash. Sometimes, the right exchange of resources and expertise is all it takes.

What’s Next for the Wikimedia Academy?

Currently, the Academy operates in Polish, but the potential for global adoption is clear. As more Wikimedia communities explore innovative onboarding tools, who knows? The Wikimedia Academy might soon welcome editors from around the world.

Build Partnerships That Matter

If your community struggles with onboarding or lacks resources for innovative tools, think outside the box. Find partners who share your vision and explore creative collaborations.

The Wikimedia Academy shows that innovation doesn’t always require massive budgets—just shared goals and the willingness to experiment.

You can find more info here: https://wikimedia.pl/2024/06/14/akademia-wikimedia-jak-grywalizacja-moze-pomoc-angazowac-nowicjuszy/