I think one important point of the textbook project is that we can actually *print* it as a textbook. That doesn't mean it should not take advantage of the dead-easy wiki hyperlinks, just that there should be a way to run a script and get a PDF, RTF, or something, that actually handles like a book.
One way would be for each page containing a link with a defined name, like [[The next topic|>>>]] (or just "next" or "forward" instead of ">>>"). A script could run through that easily, as could a reader who prefers linearity over mini-webs.
Magnus
Karl Wick wrote:
I thought the reason for a textbook was for it to be linear. Otherwise, people could just use the encyclopedia.
The preliminary OChem book I am playing with has trains of continuity, although they are more flexible than in a printed book. Its a flexibility to link to all related subjects that I wish the textbooks that I use had. I dont think that most people would confuse an interlinked textbook with an encyclopedia, as a textbook seeks to actively teach, where an encyclopedia presents information more passively. Plus there is an overlying scheme of nested links that adds structure. But thats just how I see this book on this subject turning out right now, and is no comment on any other book or any other way or etc.
I guess a textbook as I see it should help lead a person thru the subject even if it gives him freedom to change direction. Isnt learning more fun for you as a learner when you have some say on how you do it ?
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