ESEAP Conference 2024/Report/CopperAlchemy

Things learned at the conference

I am most excited about optimising our social media for learning and collaboration. We will likely refine how we engage with our volunteers and find ways to motivate them to join us. Setting up our Instagram account will be a priority.

I loved hearing about Wikimedia Philippines's work with schools and learning institutions and feel there is so much more to learn here. I enjoyed hearing how they are the ambassadors for free access to knowledge, educators can check reliability and validity and integrate Wikimedia into research and instruction. There are self-learning opportunities, creating videos and using social media platforms to get our messages out there. We could build teacher guides for the classrooms, set up WikiClub for seniors, and offer free professional development in learning institutions. We could set up projects such as Wiki Loves Teachers and Wiki Loves Students. Lots of ideas!

The pre-conference session was my first introduction to Wiktionary. I think the Wiktionary Project is a good way to have a go and get into editing. Taufik Rosman was our host. He provided an excellent environment for learning and I contributed words from the Kadazan dictionary. This was an enjoyable and informative session.

After our Wiktionary session, we went for a walk to the Warriors Monument and then on to the Sabah Gallery. We had an informative walk through the park and it was great to see the monument which became part of the ESEAP Conference logo image. We then went on to the Sabah Art Gallery which had interesting art on display, and also an art demonstration.

I learned so much from the Conference, and from a range of people from all over the region who I interacted with. This was a very useful and informative conference.

Things the participant contributed or participated in or since the conference

Lisa Maule welcomed Sophia and me to share a presentation about Wikimedia Aotearoa New Zealand (WANZ), We talked about our 2024 WikiCon Auckland, and learnings for our 2025 WikiCon in Christchurch. We also practised a cultural performance with Australia in case we were required to offer one. This was also a good opportunity to learn more about each other and our friends across the water talking about songs, waiata and poems from both of our countries.

I enjoyed having a roommate from a different country and although we spoke different languages, we got to know each other to a small degree. I met the Australian attendees. I have met with Belinda and Alice over Zoom calls, and it was great to meet them in person.

I also enjoyed travelling with members of my own Committee and building our relationships. It is a long way from New Zealand to Kota Kinabalu requiring three flights, one of which is over 10 hours. We were very thankful that the Wikimedia Foundation understood this, and allowed us to check in to our hotel early and get some rest before the pre-conference events.

Plans after the conference (from what was learned or contributed in the conference)

Optimising the Role of Social Media as a Learning and Collaboration Platform - This session was inspirational to me and reminded me about the importance of connecting with people in the forums of their choice. This session also revealed interest within our own committee to handle an Instagram account, which we are now in the process of setting up. The use of images and videos will be key to getting more people involved in the wiki movement.

WikiDunong: An Eduwiki Initiative in the Philippines was an interesting session about connecting with teachers, lecturers and students and introducing them to the world of Wikipedia. They have focused on making this learner and resource-centred to (1) Combat misinformation, (2) Empower learners, (3) offer open education resources (OER), (4) collaborate and volunteer and (5) build capacity. Investing in our volunteers was an important concept, offering leadership training to help spread our message.

Lots of ideas from sessions focused on learners and teachers including distributing offline wikis to schools and reading centres, removing misconceptions and engaging with school and youth organisations.

WikiGap was the project used to engage some students and using guest lectures. They found they had a low retention rate converting participants to members. They were able to introduce the Wikipedia Library.

Benefits included improving digital literacy, writing and research skills, free open knowledge and participating in a collaborative and democratic approach to knowledge.

Some misconceptions included Wikipedia being seen as a threat to traditional models and it thus being forbidden to students, rather than pitched as a complementary resource.

Developing a plan around these ideas will be something to tal about with the Committee.

Comments/ suggestions about the conference

The conference was well run and everyone was helpful and friendly. The hotel was excellent with great accommodations, a great variety of food and outstanding service. The swimming pool meant I could keep up with my regular exercise.

One suggestion would be for something like the visit to Mari Mari, to give participants a better idea of timing on the bus, and for meals and return times. People with medical conditions such as diabetes were affected by the journey, the walking, the late food, and a very late return back to the hotel.

Summary

I thank the Wikimedia Foundation for funding my attendance at this regional conference. I would also like to thank the Malaysian organising committee for the fantastic job organising this conference. Great job. Thanks also to the Wikimedia Aotearoa New Zealand (WANZ) committee for supporting my attendance and reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses. This is a generous decision and I appreciate it.

Attendance at this conference helped to widen my horizons about Wikimedia Projects. I met a lot of people and listened to different perspectives from all over our region. A lot of the topics at the conference I am still learning about. This conference was a good opportunity to connect with Australia, the Trustees, and Wikimedia Foundation employees.

I enjoyed hearing from the Wikimedia Trustees (Victoria and Lorenzo) and learning about their focus and their work. They joined some New Zealanders and Australians for a Japanese dinner on the waterfront on Sunday evening.

I loved the cultural performances and our trip our to the cultural village Mari Mari. Enjoyable and informative.