The 2024 iteration of the Train-the-Trainer (TTT) event marks its ninth iteration, co-hosted by the Centre for Internet and Society Access to Knowledge (CIS-A2K) and the Odia Wikimedians User Group. This year's TTT aimed to cultivate innovative ideas, enhance community engagement, and provide a global perspective on Wikimedia projects, setting the stage for meaningful collaborations and impactful outcomes. Over the years, TTT has evolved from a traditional training program to a decentralized learning platform, fostering community engagement and encouraging the exchange of ideas among both experienced and new Wikimedians.

Overview

The 9th iteration of the annual Train-the-Trainer (TTT) event for the year 2024, co-hosted by CIS-A2K and the Odia Wikimedians User Group commenced with a welcome address by Tanveer (CIS), Nitesh (CIS-A2K), and Chinmayee (Odia Community member), who introduced the participants to the objectives and philosophy of the event. Tanveer elaborated on the concept of TTT (Train the Trainer), emphasizing its evolution from a traditional training program to a decentralized learning platform aimed at fostering community engagement and cross-pollination of ideas among diverse groups of experienced and new wikimedians.

Objectives of TTT

Cultivation of Ideas: TTT serves as an incubator for innovative ideas, encouraging participants to map out allies and resources.
Community Engagement: The program aims to facilitate meaningful conversations as a metric of success.
Global Perspective: Participants gain insights into the global scenario of Wikimedia projects.

Theme 1: Needs Assessment and Community Research

Panel Discussion: State of Various Wiki Projects

Moderator: Nitesh

Panellists: Sujatha Nettime, Vasntha Lakshmi, Gitartha, Hariprasad

Nitesh initiated the panel discussion by outlining its purpose and introducing the panelists. The discussion focused on the current state of various wiki projects within different language communities.

Key Highlights from Panelists

Hariprasad (Karavali Wikimedians User Group): Discussed initiatives like Wiki Loves Mangaluru and Tulu wikisource, emphasizing community efforts in Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Gitartha (Assamese community): Highlighted growth from 100 articles in 2011 to over 14,000 articles today on Assamese Wikipedia, alongside initiatives in wikisource and wikiquote.
Lakshmi (Tamil community): Reported that Tamil wiki has approximately 160,000 articles, with ongoing programs for teacher and student engagement.
Sujatha (Bengala community): Shared successes in Bengali wikisource and initiatives like Wiki Loves Butterfly aimed at increasing biodiversity documentation.

Challenges and Strategies

The panelists addressed various challenges faced by their communities:

Quality Control: Gitartha noted that while quality control is crucial, it must be paced according to volunteer readiness. Female Participation: Lakshmi and Sujatha highlighted time constraints as a barrier for women contributors, stressing the need for outreach initiatives to engage more female participants.

Future Plans

Panelists shared their aspirations for the next five years: Hariprasad: Plans to expand Tulu community projects to include wikisource and wikiquote. Gitartha: Aims to grow the Assamese community while exploring AI and ML for content creation. Lakshmi: Focus on increasing participation in Tamil Wikipedia and related projects.

Community Engagement and AI/ML Challenges

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the intersection of AI/ML with Wikimedia projects. Concerns were raised about:

The need for original content in Indian languages to train AI models effectively.
The importance of creating verifiable knowledge databases that are accessible in local languages.

The audience engaged with panelists through questions about specific initiatives like museum collaborations mentioned by Sujatha. Tanveer emphasized the importance of building partnerships with smaller institutions to enhance outreach.

Approaching Needs Assessment from a Wikimedian's Perspective

Ashwini Lele

The session titled "Approaching Needs Assessment from a Wikimedian's Perspective," led by Ashwini Lele, focused on the relevance of needs assessment in the context of Wikimedia projects. Ashwini initiated the discussion by prompting participants to reflect on their motivations for attending the session, ultimately framing the conversation around three key aspects: security, status, and access. These aspects were further categorized into physical, social, economic, political, and psychological factors.

Ashwini emphasized that most active contributors are driven by a desire for language conservation. She articulated that language exists independently of individuals and that contributors seek to preserve and promote their languages. The core message conveyed was that "the language doesn’t need you; you need language." Recognizing personal motives assists individuals in understanding their roles within the Wikimedia movement and in setting appropriate objectives.

The overarching goal for all participants is to promote open knowledge, defined as knowledge that is free to use, reuse, and redistribute without legal or social restrictions. Ashwini encouraged participants to explore various Wikimedia projects such as Wiktionary, Wikiquotes, Wikisource, Abstract Wikipedia Project, Wikispecies, and Wikiversity. The key takeaway was the need to look beyond Wikipedia itself.

With a clear goal established, Ashwini posed the question: How can we achieve this goal? She stressed the importance of understanding existing conditions regarding resource availability, needs, priorities, and the roles of individuals and institutions involved. An effective needs assessment plan must clarify decision-making processes and be logical and easy to implement.

Key Definitions

To facilitate understanding, Ashwini provided working definitions for essential terms:

Output: Quantifiable results.
Input: Resources utilized.
Outcome: Non-quantifiable results.

She illustrated these concepts with examples from various Wikimedia initiatives such as NEP study and Wiki Loves Monuments.

Participants were encouraged to reflect on their communities' examples in relation to the questions posed by Ashwini regarding relevance to open knowledge. One example shared was Wiki Loves Onam, which highlighted community engagement in cultural documentation. The session concluded with a call for participants to actively engage in defining their roles within the Wikimedia movement while considering their motivations. By understanding individual and collective needs, contributors can better align their efforts towards achieving the shared goal of open knowledge. The discussions underscored the necessity for collaboration across different Wikimedia projects and highlighted the importance of adapting strategies to meet diverse community needs.

Hands-on Group Discussion: Challenges & Opportunities in Wikimedia

The group discussion activity aimed to foster collaborative dialogue among participants by exploring key focus areas within the Wikimedia movement. By dividing participants into five cohorts—Technology, Participation, Quality, Diversity, and Collaborations—each group identified specific challenges and opportunities relevant to their theme. This structured approach encourages participants to articulate the individual challenges they face, as well as the broader issues impacting their communities and the Wikimedia movement as a whole. Additionally, groups discussed potential positive trends and opportunities for collaboration that could enhance their efforts.

Given below are the cohort summaries:

Technology

Moderator: Nivas

Challenges:

Lack of Mentoring: New contributors often lack guidance from experienced members.
Chaotic Documentation: Documentation processes are inefficient and disorganized.
Onboarding Experience: New users face difficulties during their initial engagement.
Infrastructural Support: Insufficient technical infrastructure hampers progress.
User Experience Issues: Challenges include low retention rates of new candidates and inadequate technical training.

Opportunities:

Evolving Technical Forums: Establishing an Indic Wikimedia Technical Forum on platforms like Telegram.
Community Networking: Enhancing connections with various communities.
In-depth Training Programs: Offering comprehensive training for developers.
Collaborations with FOSS Communities: Engaging with Free and Open Source Software communities for support.
Tech Support Clinics: Providing dedicated technical assistance to users.

Participation

Moderator: Nitesh

Challenges:

Limited Active Contributors: The number of active wikimedians is low and geographically dispersed.
Time Constraints: Many potential contributors struggle to find time for participation.
Difficulty Organizing Events: Physical events are hard to coordinate due to logistical challenges.
Convincing New Contributors: Attracting new participants is often met with skepticism.
Lack of Financial Incentives: Absence of monetary rewards for contributions.

Opportunities:

Multi-directional Campaigns: Initiatives like Wiki Loves Onam can engage diverse audiences.
Role Diversification: Expanding roles beyond editors to include patrollers and other contributors.
Social Media Outreach: Utilizing social media platforms for broader engagement.

Quality

Moderator: Sujata

Challenges:

Inaccurate Machine Translation: Reliance on tools like Google Translate affects content quality.
Mismatched References: Discrepancies between Wikisource and Wikipedia references undermine reliability.
Standardization Needs: Foreign name spellings in Indic languages require a consistent approach.

Opportunities:

Living Writers’ Contributions: Engaging contemporary authors to donate works to Wikisource.
Collaborations with Educational Institutions: Partnering with schools and libraries for content development.
Need for Linguists and Photographers: Enhancing quality through professional collaborations.

Diversity

Moderator: Tanveer

Challenges:

Terminology Inconsistency: Non-standardized terms create confusion across projects.
Bias and Lack of Recognition: Underrepresentation of diverse voices in content creation.
Mobile Interface Issues: Poor mobile usability limits access for many users.

Opportunities:

Content Creation Templates: Developing templates to streamline contributions.
New Language Projects: Initiating projects in underrepresented languages to broaden participation.
Cross-community Collaborations: Encouraging partnerships among diverse skill sets.

Collaborations

Moderator: Subodh

Challenges:

Technical Support Needs: Each community requires designated individuals to address technical issues.
Visibility and Dissemination Gaps: Lack of representation at local events limits outreach efforts.

Opportunities:

Museum Collaborations: Partnering with museums for content documentation initiatives.
Engagement with Elderly Communities: Finding ways to involve older demographics in contributions.
Local Events and Exhibitions: Hosting exhibitions to raise awareness about Wikimedia projects.

The group discussion highlighted significant challenges faced by each cohort within the Wikimedia movement, ranging from technological inefficiencies to issues of participation and diversity. However, it also identified numerous opportunities for growth, collaboration, and improvement across these themes. Participants recognized the importance of mentorship, standardized practices, and community engagement as essential elements for fostering a more inclusive and productive environment within the Wikimedia movement. By leveraging existing resources, enhancing collaboration efforts, and addressing the identified challenges, the movement can continue to thrive and expand its reach effectively.

Using Technical Tools to Research Pain Points of Wikimedia Projects

Nivas, Gopavasanth, Navya

The session focused on the importance of research and appropriate methodologies in enhancing the quality of content within Wikimedia projects. Participants discussed various quantitative and qualitative methods that communities have employed to address their specific challenges. Nivas emphasized the need for using technical tools to identify pain points, facilitating a more comprehensive, data-informed understanding of community needs. Gopavasanth highlighted existing tools like Quarry and Stats Wikimedia, which can retrieve insights from various Wikimedia projects. He demonstrated how to use Quarry to gather data on edit contributions and user engagement, showcasing its potential for tailoring strategies to community requirements. Navya introduced participants to prompt engineering for query generation, outlining a three-step process: define the task, craft the prompt, and refine it. She provided guidelines and best practices for effective prompting, enabling participants to leverage AI tools for generating SQL queries.

Questions and Answers

Participants raised several questions during the session. The following were the points of discussion during the Q&A:

Data Retrieval: While it is challenging to determine who has read digitized books, it is possible to track views and downloads.
Prompt Writing: Identifying field names is crucial when crafting prompts.
Limitations of Tools: Certain insights, such as what users are searching for on Wikipedia for topics not yet covered, may not be retrievable.
Tech Adoption: Strategies were discussed to help non-tech-savvy wikimedians overcome resistance to using technical tools.
Automated Processes: The session briefly touched on available automated processes in Wikisource.

The session successfully highlighted the significance of employing research methodologies and technical tools in Wikimedia projects. By understanding how to utilize these resources effectively, participants are better equipped to enhance content quality and engage their communities. The discussions underscored the need for continuous learning and collaboration among wikimedians to adapt to evolving challenges in the digital landscape.

Theme 2: Program Designing

Hands-on Session: Designing Programs in Groups

The program design activity involved participants working in the same cohorts as the previous session to develop targeted initiatives addressing specific challenges within the Wikimedia movement. Each group utilized a structured template to guide their discussions and proposals.

Participation Cohort

The focus was on engaging students and educational institutions, leveraging their energy and enthusiasm. The proposed four-step process includes creating a QR code linked to a webpage for contributions, adding references, thanking contributors, and providing periodic reminders to encourage ongoing participation. The timeline emphasizes creating a user-friendly flow for new contributors.

Diversity Cohort

This group designed a two-day offline entry-level program aimed at college students. The first day includes an introduction to Wikipedia and its sister projects, followed by hands-on activities and evaluations. Regular engagement and feedback will be integral, with the final session focusing on future collaboration opportunities.

Collaborations Cohort

The emphasis was on inter-community collaborations, documenting best practices across language communities. The plan includes creating a short video or booklet for dissemination and organizing community meetings for sharing and selecting best practices.

Quality Cohort

A one-day workshop is proposed for experienced editors to refine machine-translated articles. Participants will work on selected articles with clear guidelines provided beforehand. A follow-up quality check will ensure standards are met before scaling up efforts through a content marathon.

Technology Cohort

This group proposed a year-long hybrid developer training program aimed at improving user retention and onboarding. The timeline includes beginner-friendly sessions, project selection by participants, in-person training, and a hackathon at the end of the year.

Overall, this activity fostered collaboration among participants to design actionable programs tailored to address the unique challenges faced by their respective focus areas within the Wikimedia movement.

Personal Journey of Wikimedians

The session featuring Sujata Nettime and Gapu provided an insightful exploration of their personal journeys within the Wikimedia movement, highlighting the transformative impact of their contributions and experiences.

Sujata Nettime's Journey

Sujata began her journey in 2016, initially driven by curiosity, which has since evolved into a profound passion for the Wikimedia movement. She expressed how her involvement has granted her a new identity and respect within her community, significantly boosting her confidence. Sujata finds fulfilment in sharing her knowledge and connecting with fellow wikimedians. Her role as a jury member for the International Feminism and Folklore Bengal chapter reflects her commitment to promoting diverse narratives within the Wikimedia projects.

Gapu's 100wikidays Initiative

Gapu shared his experiences with the 100wikidays initiative, emphasizing the importance of continuity in contributions. He discussed both the rewards he has gained from this initiative and the challenges he has encountered along the way. Gapu's insights highlighted the necessity of persistence and dedication in maintaining engagement within the Wikimedia community.At the end of the session, Sangram (Gapu) and Nitesh (CIS-A2K) mentioned an upcoming activity that will be planned and executed for Indian Wikimedians to encourage them to participate in the #100Wikidays initiative.

The session underscored several key themes:

Identity and Confidence: Both Sujata and Gapu noted how their involvement in Wikimedia has reshaped their identities and enhanced their self-esteem.
Community Engagement: The importance of connecting with others in the movement was emphasized as a source of fulfilment.
Challenges: Gapu's discussion on continuity points to the broader challenge of sustaining engagement among contributors.
Diversity in Contributions: Sujata's role in feminist initiatives illustrates the need for diverse perspectives within Wikimedia projects.

The personal journeys of Sujata Nettime and Gapu serve as inspiring examples of how involvement in the Wikimedia movement can lead to personal growth, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering diverse narratives. Their experiences highlight both the challenges faced by wikimedians and the rewarding nature of contributing to open knowledge. This session not only celebrated individual journeys but also reinforced the collective mission of the Wikimedia movement to promote inclusivity and collaboration among its contributors.

Open Knowledge Collaborations

Ashwini, Subodh, Sanjiv

The session began with Subodh (CIS-A2K) emphasizing the fundamental question of why we create knowledge and the critical need for collaboration within the Wikimedia movement. He set the stage for a discussion on how collective efforts can enhance the quality and reach of knowledge sharing.

Sanjiv followed up by detailing their long-term collaborations with the Centre for Internet and Society's Access to Knowledge (CIS-A2K) initiative. He highlighted several impactful projects that have emerged from this partnership, including initiatives focused on women in the workforce, the Sane Guruji portal, and digitization efforts at PNVM (Preservation of National Heritage and Manuscripts). These collaborations exemplify how strategic partnerships can lead to significant advancements in content creation and community engagement.

Key Themes Discussed

Collaboration as a Catalyst: The importance of working together across different groups to foster a more inclusive and comprehensive knowledge base was a central theme.
Impactful Initiatives: Sanjiv's examples illustrated the tangible outcomes that can arise from collaborative efforts, particularly in promoting underrepresented voices and preserving cultural heritage.
Challenges and Solutions: The discussion also touched on challenges faced during collaborations, such as resource allocation and maintaining engagement among diverse participants. Sanjiv emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue and shared goals to overcome these hurdles.

The session effectively underscored the significance of collaboration in creating and disseminating knowledge within the Wikimedia movement. By sharing their experiences and insights, Subodh and Sanjiv inspired participants to seek out partnerships that can enhance their initiatives. The conversation reinforced the idea that collective action not only enriches content but also strengthens community ties, ultimately leading to a more robust and diverse body of knowledge. The session was followed by a group discussion on possible collaborations. The participants were divided into region-wise groups so they can map potential collaborations and talk about future plans.

Theme 3: Collaborations

Mapping Open Knowledge Stakeholders in India

As part of TTT 2024, a group activity was organized to map potential collaborations among participants, segmented into region-wise groups. The session began with Subodh emphasizing the importance of collaboration in knowledge creation and its role in addressing challenges effectively. Sanjiv followed by sharing insights from their long-term partnership with CIS-A2K, highlighting initiatives such as Women at Work, the Sane Guruji Portal, and digitization efforts at PNVM. Participants were then divided into groups representing various regions, including AP & Telangana, Tamil Nadu & Kerala, Assam & Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra & Karnataka, and Punjab & North India. Each group engaged in focused discussions to identify key stakeholders and explore collaborative opportunities, fostering a spirit of cooperation that is vital for enhancing the open knowledge ecosystem in India. The outcomes of these discussions are expected to lead to impactful partnerships and initiatives in the future.

Envisioning the Role of Open Knowledge in the implementation of NEP 2020

Ashwini Lele

The session led by Ashwini Lele focused on the intersection of open knowledge and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, exploring how these domains can synergize to enhance educational practices in India. Ashwini began by providing a historical context of previous initiatives that have successfully linked open knowledge with educational institutions, underscoring a long-standing relationship.

Salient Features of NEP 2020

Ashwini outlined the transformative aspects of NEP 2020, which aims to shift from rote learning to a more creative, interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes concept learning, language skills, and life skills. This policy creates opportunities for knowledge practitioners and open knowledge advocates to engage more deeply in educational pedagogy.

Concerns and Challenges

While discussing the potential of NEP 2020, Ashwini addressed several concerns regarding its implementation. Issues such as the adequacy of assessment systems, the skill sets of educators, and necessary mindset changes were highlighted. She questioned whether effective collaboration between state and central governments could facilitate these changes on the ground.

Opportunities for Open Knowledge Platforms

The session illustrated various opportunities for platforms like Wikipedia to align with NEP 2020's goals. Ashwini proposed innovative internships, group activities centered around open knowledge, and improved assessment models as potential avenues for collaboration. The discussion emphasized the need for concrete linkages between NEP and open knowledge ecosystems.

Concrete Linkages

In the latter half of the session, Ashwini proposed various course structures within the NEP framework that could incorporate open knowledge principles. These included major and minor courses focused on interdisciplinary studies, skill enhancement, and value-added learning.

Audience Engagement

The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment where audience members contributed valuable insights. Sanjiv suggested a shift from output-based education to outcome-based education, emphasizing the importance of assessing educational effectiveness through tangible results rather than mere content delivery.

Ashwini Lele's session effectively highlighted the vital role that open knowledge can play in implementing NEP 2020. By fostering collaboration between educational institutions and open knowledge advocates, there is significant potential to enhance educational practices and create a more informed society. The discussions underscored the importance of addressing challenges while seizing opportunities to integrate innovative approaches within India's educational landscape.

Odia Wikimedians User Group Presentation

The Odia Wikimedians User Group (OWUG) presented a comprehensive overview of their community initiatives and achievements over the past few years, led by Chinmayee, Gyaana, and Sangram. The presentation highlighted the group's collaborations, projects, and contributions to the Wikimedia ecosystem.

Key Initiatives and Collaborations

Collaboration with State Government: OWUG has actively collaborated with the Odisha state government on various initiatives, including the relicense of social media platforms and the Rath Yatra project. They participated in the World Odia Language Conference 2024, representing the Wikipedia ecosystem and conducting a survey to gather community insights.
LinguaLibre Contributions: The group achieved significant milestones in LinguaLibre, with Odia being the second-largest language in terms of contributions. By August 2023, Subhashish Panigrahi had recorded the highest number of contributions (70K), followed by Sangram Kesari Senapati with 59K recordings.
Wiki Project Parichaya:OWUG organized nine major edit-a-thons in 2023-24, including thematic events like the Paramveer Chakra edit-a-thon and Mahatma Gandhi edit-a-thon, which aimed to enhance content related to notable figures and events.
International Collaborations: Two Odia Wikimedians participated in Ukraine's Cultural Diplomacy Month 2024, contributing to articles on this theme.
Wikimania Participation: OWUG organized Wikimania 2022 in Bhubaneswar, fostering connections among local wikimedians and enhancing community engagement.
Content Development Projects: The Odia Film Project led by Sangram resulted in over 650 new articles and improvements to existing content on Wikipedia, alongside substantial contributions to Wikidata.
Community Engagement: OWUG actively participated in various conferences and workshops, including WikiConference India 2023 and Indic Wiki Improve-a-thon 2022, showcasing their commitment to collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Notable Contributors

The presentation recognized several key contributors within the community:

Subhashish Panigrahi: An open knowledge researcher with extensive contributions to various projects.
Sangram Kesari Senapati: Known for his significant contributions to Odia content and ownership of the eMagazine "Subhapallaba."
Dr. Subash Rout: Noted for holding a world record for page views on his contributions to the Wiki Med Project.
MKar: Recognized for his extensive work on Wikidata and contributions across multiple Indic language projects.

The Odia Wikimedians User Group's presentation showcased their vibrant community efforts, highlighting successful collaborations, innovative projects, and significant contributions to open knowledge. Their initiatives not only enrich the Odia language content on Wikimedia platforms but also foster a spirit of collaboration and cultural preservation within the broader Wikimedia ecosystem. The group's ongoing commitment to enhancing educational resources and engaging diverse communities positions them as a vital player in promoting open knowledge in India.

Feedback Session and Vote of Thanks

The feedback session provided participants with an opportunity to reflect on their experiences and share suggestions for improving future events.

Key Suggestions

Advance Notice of Sessions: Participants expressed the need for better communication regarding upcoming sessions to allow for adequate preparation and participation.
Increased Program Duration: Many attendees felt that extending the duration of the program would facilitate deeper discussions and allow for more comprehensive engagement with the topics at hand.
Resource Planning Session: There was a strong consensus that the session on resource planning should not be canceled, as it is vital for effective project execution and community development.
Break Time and Engagement: Participants requested more break time and opportunities for informal engagement, which would help foster connections among attendees and enhance collaborative efforts.
Open Session for Community Interaction: The need for an open forum where participants could converse freely with members from other communities was emphasized. This would encourage knowledge sharing and strengthen inter-community relationships.

Closing Remarks

Pavan concluded the session by expressing gratitude to all participants for their contributions and insights. His vote of thanks highlighted the importance of community feedback in shaping future initiatives, reinforcing the idea that ongoing dialogue is essential for growth and improvement within the Wikimedia movement.

Gallery

Participants at TTT 2024 Bhubaneswar
K. Murty at TTT 2024, Bhubaneswar
A group photo of men at TTT 2024
TTT 2024 Participants
VJ Suseela and Jameela at TTT 2024
Ashwini Lele presenting at TTT 2024, Bhubaneswar
Nitesh Gill at TTT 2024, Bhubaneswar during the welcoming session
Co-organizer of TTT 2024
Gopavasanth at TTT 2024
A few participants getting clicked at TTT 2024, Bhubaneswar, India.
Panel Discussion on 'State of Various Wikimedia Projects' at TTT 2024, Bhubaneswar
Participants at TTT 2024, Bhubaneswar
Attendees of Trainer the Trainer 2024, Bhubaneswar (cropped)