[Foundation-l] WikiCurriculum -- clarifications and responses to early questions.

[Martin Weissman]

Here are a few clarifications and responses to early questions regarding the
WikiCurriculum project:

There have been a few discussions along the lines of "doesn't this fit into
WikiBooks or WikiUniversity, or a semantic enhancement thereof".  While I
have tried to discuss the differences within the project proposal, perhaps a
few more words should be said about the differences.

The primary difference is that the WikiCurriculum project has semantic
information at its heart, and the needs of (U.S.) school districts as its
motivation.   While WikiBooks might attempt to write textbooks to address
standards (such as the A-level math textbooks already there), and
WikiUniversity (and the community college project) might come up with
curricula, the WikiCurriculum project would specifically contain the
information necessary to ensure the mathematical and pedagogical soundness
of textbooks and curricula in general (at least in 9-12 math).

In this way, the WikiCurriculum project could in fact facilitate the
creation of courses and textbooks, both by other Wiki projects, as well as
school districts (from which I have already heard a bit of interest).

The WikiCurriculum project would be designed with state and national
standards in mind.  I have in mind the NCTM national standards, as well as
California and Massachusetts state standards.  I am only mentioning U.S.
standards, simply because these are the standards with which I have
familiarity.  I am also mentioning the states CA and MA, because I have some
familiarity with those state standards, and I also have contacts in
mathematics and math education in those states.  Of course, I believe that
international standards should be addressed as well, eventually.

If anyone can think of a more apt name for the project, I would be
interested in hearing it.  I certainly don't intend WikiCurriculum to be a
"curriculum upload" site.

I am very interested in more feedback - please continue to post, either on
the foundation list, or the WikiCurriculum talk site.

Thank you very much,

Marty Weissman