Wikipedia, GenAI, and education: experiences, reflections, and horizons

Abstract

Although Wikipedia has employed various artificial intelligence tools for two decades, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools introduce new scenarios for the Wikipedia community. From an educational perspective, the incorporation of GenAI evokes controversies similar to those triggered by the introduction of calculators in classrooms, suggesting that the key lies in balancing its use with the development of critical skills in students. In this way, Wikipedia positions itself as an open learning environment, where the ethical and critical use of GenAI can be enriched through collaborative practices and training events. The Wikipedia community is evaluating these approaches to ensure that technology complements, rather than replaces, the essential human contribution to the quality and reliability of information.