Re: [Textbook-l] ideas

On the English mailing list it was suggested that we would be developing static textbooks from dynamic Wikipedia resources. I'd like to talk about that because I dont think that is how it will be ... I see the textbooks growing the same way WP grows .. first to get the basic information in there and then to modify that information to make it easier to understand and to include the changes and advancements in each field. Then, multiple textbooks could arise on one subject but with different goals or target audiences. The textbooks will be able to use some WP material but probably in modified form to suit the different goals. Plus the textbooks will need lots of original material that was not at home in the encyclopedia format and/or has not yet been developed. A couple of goals: I think that we will see our first adoption by students who are looking for quick free information. In time, my hope is that we will have materials so good that they will be used officially in schools to accompany and then replace traditional textbook materials. This site should be the center on the WWW for collaborative textbook development. I have seen some scattered efforts to do free textbooks out there but none (but --April's) using a wiki. I think if we give them a place and make it friendly that people will use it and our site will grow to be the standard setter. So lets make it friendly to teachers and other people who can be power contributers.