Wikimania 2024

Hearing the Unheard: Bridging the Multimedia Gap with Audio on Wikipedia
08-09, 10:30–10:55 (Poland), Ohrid (9)(interpretation)
Language: English

Despite Wikipedia's vast repository of knowledge, a significant multimedia gap persists, notably in the realm of audio content. "Hearing the Unheard: Bridging the Multimedia Gap with Audio on Wikipedia" is a session dedicated to addressing this oversight and exploring the potential of audio to enrich the encyclopedia's multisensory learning experience. This presentation delves into the current state of audio on Wikipedia, the challenges of incorporating sound into a predominantly text-based platform, and the opportunities that audio presents for making knowledge more accessible and engaging.


Participants will explore the importance of audio in educational content, its potential to enhance understanding and retention, and how it can serve non-traditional learners and those with visual impairments. The session will present case studies of successful audio integrations on digital platforms, offering insights into how Wikipedia can bridge the multimedia gap. Attendees will be invited to brainstorm and discuss innovative strategies for sourcing, creating, and integrating audio content into Wikipedia articles, focusing on practical solutions and community collaboration.
Session recording: https://youtu.be/BbGrkYK8FEk?list=PLhV3K_DS5YfJ1xyY0LNDNX3RKyRQEXOdB&t=4865


How does your session relate to the event themes: Collaboration of the Open?*

The session emphasizes the need for community collaboration to integrate audio into Wikipedia, thereby enhancing the platform's accessibility and educational value. This initiative directly reflects the open collaboration ethos by inviting contributors from various backgrounds to work together in closing the multimedia gap. It showcases how collaborative efforts can make open knowledge more inclusive and accessible, ensuring that Wikipedia remains at the forefront of digital learning innovation. Through this session, we see a practical application of the conference's focus on enhancing open platforms through shared efforts, underlining the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the realm of free knowledge.

What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?*

Everyone can participate in this session

How do you plan to deliver this session?*

Onsite in Katowice

What other themes or topics does your session fit into? Please choose from the list of tags below.

Collaboration, Capacity building, Product development, Storytelling

My name is Natalia Ćwik, I am CEO of Wikimedia Polska. I have more that 17 years of professional experience as a manager with NGOs, business and public administration. I love gathering and sharing knowledge.

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