Will Kent – Nicole Burney

Will Kent spoke in depth about Wikipedia. He discussed the history, initiative to improve its reputation and how Wikidata sources from Wikipedia in multiple languages to make it available in more languages. By learning from Kent, as a class we were able to learn more about Wikipedia and Wikidata and how to utilize it in a manner helpful to us. A few major takeaways from Kents talk were that every Wikipedia page has a Wikidata link. Allowing access to tables and charts to help organize information. He also gave clear directions on how to use it in a way that will allow us to track what we have been doing throughout the semester and how it can aid us in further research. Kent being able to talk to us showed the power of technology. First, from him being able to talk to us live from the other side of the country and second on how we are all connected and can be connected through technology. WIthout Wikidata, it would be hard to narrow down facts in an accurate manner. It is an important tool for reliable information and improving the humanities.