User talk:Wikityke

add comments below, at the end of the list, please. Thanks 201.53.5.241 22:02, 23 February 2007 (UTC)

the versity suffix
"the versity suffix throws us into a whole new, and very much more exigent and critical arena" <-- Adopting the name "wikiversity" was one of the most contentious issues faced when this project was being planned. Wikiversity is not an attempt to replicate a conventional university as it exists at bricks-and-mortar institutions today. Wikiversity aims to provide learning resources for people of all ages. When I think about the ultimate goal of Wikiversity, I think about the historical origins of universities, collaborative efforts to facilitate learning that brought together learners and teachers. In a sense, we are starting over from that fundamental starting point but doing it in a new medium, a virtual world that is not constrained by the need to work in a restrictive physical space. We are able to explore what can be done in this new virtual space.

"the people who'll come here won't be seeking general knowledge but rather, expecting something much more advanced" <-- In some cases. Wikipedia takes a one-size-fits-all approach to topics. I've noticed that some people go to the discussion pages of the more technical Wikipedia articles and leave comments such as, "Can anyone explain this in English?" Wikiversity can complement Wikipedia by providing introductions to technical topics. But in some cases people will come to Wikiversity because they want to go beyond what is possible at Wikipedia.

"contributors MUST adopt a very much more conscientious, rigorously self-critical and professional attitude than in other wiki-projects (be they formally "qualified" or not) when preparing their submissions, edits, suggestions etc. etc." <-- As a wiki, Wikiversity is open to contributions of all types. I expect that many people will come to Wikiversity and have to learn what it means to function as a scholarly contributor. They will learn by making inept contributions at first and then slowly figuring out how do better. It will be important to have other participants who already have expertise and experience. I am interested in the idea that Wikiversity can establish a system by which the community calls upon its experts to take leadership roles in "more conscientious, rigorously self-critical and professional attitude than in other wiki-projects". See Review board.

"denouncing any error or misconduct" <-- Wikiversity is an experiment in how to apply new technologies to support learning. I hope we can plan ahead so as to avoid many problems. When problems arise, I hope we can learn from them and become stronger. Wikiversity aims to offer for free what many people sell. Sadly, we will receive some harsh comments from people who do not wish us well in our altruistic endeavor.--JWSchmidt 00:26, 24 February 2007 (UTC)

INITIAL logo and motto
If the misssion statement is still open to discussion, it's far too early to defibitively decide on the motto and logo, surely !

It's more than correct to elect an INITIAL motto and logo, but pleaseItalic text, shouldn't be made clear that this should not be "written in stone" and should be open to change as the project evolves/matures. wikityke 22:59, 23 February 2007 (UTC)


 * Thanks for your comment about the Motto_contest. I moved the comment to the project's talk page. To reply: The mission statement seems to have reached a plateau, having not changed much for last few months (i think). Ideally, there would be reciprocal development of the motto/slogan/logo and mission statement. I think that, indeed, we can now revisit the mission and polish that in light of the motto/slogan/logo. It should be noted that everything about Wikiversity is in a beta stage and I'm not sure but the main principles developed now might be subject to the approval of the Wikimedia foundation. Perhaps the outcomes of the motto & logo contests will lead to more discussion of the mission and vision for the university. Or, perhaps not. Various basic policies are currently being developed. If the project changes direction significantly for whatever reason, then yes, I think it would make sense to revisit the motto & slogan. At this time, I guess I think that if Wikiversity maintains and develops on the foundation of its current structure and goals, then probably no change in motto/slogan is needed, barring future basic problems with such. So, time will tell -- it is early in the life of Wikiversity -- i don't know if we know if things will be maintained or change. --Reswik 00:57, 25 February 2007 (UTC)