Join the Critical Media Lab for this virtual Critical Tech Talk which kicks off a series of three Wikipedia Edit-a-thons (Spring 2026, Fall 2026, and Winter 2027). No experience is necessary, just an interest in open content and wiki-editing. Attendees are welcome to register and join only the Critical Tech Talk or sign up for the edit-a-thon as well. The edit-a-thon is facilitated by Wikimedia Canada administrator and 2024 Wikimedian of the Year, Hannah Clover. Coffee will be provided.
About the Critical Tech Talk
Wikipedia, the world's largest online encyclopedia, has long been a major reference resource for many. With more and more people utilizing AI summaries and large language models like ChatGPT, where does Wikipedia fit in? This talk will explore Wikipedia's current place in the digital landscape as well as its relationship with automation and LLMs.
When: 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: MC 2065 and Online via Zoom (Hybrid event)
About the Edit-a-thon
This first workshop will focus on introducing Wikipedia editing (no experience necessary). Participants will collectively edit one existing article in an effort to improve the world’s most comprehensive free online encyclopedia. Participants are asked to bring their own computing devices for editing and may also optionally bring secondary research they'd like to refer to when editing. This workshop (and the subsequent series) is open to all students, faculty, and staff.
When: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: ECH 1205 (In-person only)
About the panel:
- Speaker: Chelsea Chiovelli is a librarian by trade and holds both a Master of Library and Information Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from the University of Alberta. In her role as Program Officer, Chelsea hopes to engage institutions and communities to promote free knowledge as well as support Wikimedians across Canada.
- Speaker: Hannah Clover is an avid Wikipedian based in Hamilton, Ontario. In 2023, she became an administrator at Wikimedia Canada and in 2024, was recognized as the youngest ever Wikimedian of the Year. Hannah is now on a mission to facilitate Wikipedia edit-a-thons at various institutions all across Ontario.
- Respondant: Mélika S. Hashemi is a PhD student in English Language and Literature at the University of Waterloo. Her current research-creation practice engages with copper, using a metallurgical approach to forge techno-alchemical analogy-metaphors for our data-driven world.
- Moderator: Dr. Marcel O'Gorman, University Research Chair, professor of English, and founding director of the Critical Media Lab (CML), University of Waterloo. Professor O'Gorman leads collaborative design projects and teaches courses and workshops in critical media studies and responsible innovation.