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sharplem
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« on: April 19, 2007, 09:02:30 PM »

Dear colleagues,

The mobile learning entry in Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M-learning) has been something of an embarrassment [from the Discussion page: "I think it is far from satisfactory at the moment! (Comment: Leonard Low 22 August 2006)" "I agree - this article is terrible"]. Along with a couple of colleagues I recently wrote a revised entry which, while not comprehensive, at least reflects better the range and international scope of mobile learning.

Unfortunately, it has already been extended by a commercial company to advertise its products (in the History, Technology, and References sections). Since Wikipedia only works by consensus amongs the community of readers and editors, I hope that some of you will take the opportunity to revise the Wikipedia entry - both to alter my entry to better reflect the consensus, and also to make sure it isn't dominated by advertising. It is important - since Wikipedia is now the first port of call for many people looking for an introduction or reference to a topic area.

As the Wikipedia guidelines say: "be bold".

Mike Sharples
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Graham
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« Reply #1 on: April 20, 2007, 01:06:51 PM »

A great initiative Mike however it appears that someone is "being bold" by deleting useful material as well as less useful, indicating perhaps a lack of understanding with the subject matter.

The person in question goes under the name of Seraphimblade who appears to be the self-appointed custodian of the M-Learning entry. Since this morning he has deleted all of the events links, resources and the commercial products links.

I agree that the entry should not be used as a place for commercial enterpises (or academic ones) to spam for gain but I also see no reason why this shouldn't be a place for links to resources, community sites and yes, useful tools that are paid for given that a lot of commercial products already have Wikipedia entries (try this example  Grin ).

Unfortunately, although I'm sure Seraphimblade's (aka Todd) actions are with good intent, he has achieved precisely what makes Wikipedia a less than reliable knowledge source. By not allowing the community to form, develop and manage the entry he is unwittingly treating knowledgeable contributors with contempt.

Shame.  Sad
« Last Edit: April 20, 2007, 01:56:38 PM by Graham » Logged
Mark van 't Hooft
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« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2007, 04:31:45 PM »

I've taken a look at the entry as well, and agree that it could use some work. I made some small changes (i.e. I removed what Mike asked to be removed), and made some cosmetic changes as well. I agree that this entry shouldn't become a platform for commercial entities, but I don't see why it would be a problem to link to academic research and/or development projects.

Wikipedia, as well as academic research, is meant to be shared, so that we can build on what's already out there. In the long run, all of us will benefit from that. Smiley

Mark
aka dutchboyinohio
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Mark van 't Hooft
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Kent State University
Research Center for Educational Technology
Kent, OH
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bobharrisonset
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« Reply #3 on: April 22, 2007, 10:45:09 AM »

I agree that the entry should be neither purely academic nor just commercial. However the academic/pedagogic/technological space should be the focus. Links to,and exploration of, the different perspectives and the tensions and synergy between them will be of enormous benefit to all.

However it is a responsibility for us all to ensure that there is a balance?
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