Bridging the Digital Divide with PiWikiSpot

Details

PiWikiSpot is a Raspberry Pi-based offline learning hub designed to provide access to knowledge in environments with limited or no internet connectivity. By creating a local Wi-Fi hotspot, it allows users to browse and edit a localized instance of MediaWiki, fostering technical literacy and collaborative skills.

Learn more: https://w.wiki/Fi74

Core Objectives:

• Accessibility: Provide educational tools to remote or underserved areas.
• Technical Training: Teach the fundamentals of wiki markup, technical editing, and digital collaboration.
• Privacy & Safety: Offer a “sandbox” environment where learners can experiment without the pressures of the live internet.

Who can join: Students, hobbyists, and anyone interested in learning Raspberry Pi from scratch.

How It Works

• Hardware: A Raspberry Pi (Model 3B+ or higher recommended) serves as the server.
• Networking: The device acts as a Wireless Access Point (WAP).
• Software: A standard MediaWiki stack (LAMP/LEMP) is installed and optimized for local access.

Workshop Schedule (60 Minutes)

00–10 min: The Offline Gap

Introduction to the digital divide and how PiWikiSpot provides a solution via Raspberry Pi.

10–20 min: Virtual Walkthrough

Screen-share demo: How the Pi creates a hotspot and what the landing page looks like for a user.

20–45 min: Hands-on: Remote Wiki Editing

Participants use a shared online sandbox to practice the same MediaWiki skills used on the physical device.

45–55 min: Inside the Hardware

Discussion on the bill of materials (Raspberry Pi, SD Card, Power) and the software stack (OS + MediaWiki).

55–60 min: Q&A & Outreach

How to build your own PiWikiSpot and details on future community events.

Visit organiser website