From:
http://www.redandblack.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2006/09/28/451b3ed90d1f9
Elisabeth Parrish, "Professor to create e-library: TEXTBOOKS: Project always in need of", Redandblack.com, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Georgia</st1:placename></st1:place>
September 28, 2006
A <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Terry</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">School</st1:placename></st1:place> of Business professor is spearheading a project that soon could allow students in developing countries to get textbooks for free.
Rick Watson, a professor of management information systems, said the goal of the Global Text Project is to create a free library of 1,000 electronic textbooks for students in the developing world.
The project began in 2004 when, instead of assigning his graduate class a textbook, he got them to write one, each student contributing a chapter.
"It was highly motivating and really resonated with students," he said.
After seeing how well the first textbook worked, Watson thought he would extend the project to other books, but reasoned, "If you have a big problem, you need a big solution."
Watson decided to produce free academic works on an even greater scale.
The success of WikiBooks - an online collection of free textbooks and annotated texts written collaboratively - convinced Watson he could use the same technology to decrease the cost of textbooks, particularly for those who cannot afford paper textbooks.
The essence of wiki systems is the ability of any reader to edit and re-publish content without it being reviewed by an administrator.
Watson said this would not be a problem for the Global Text Project, which will modify the model so that only administrators will be able to change the text.
"Otherwise, students can change the content at night, submit their assignment the next day, then say, 'I just got it from out of the book.'"
Watson said it's important for administrators to maintain control over the text's content on a local basis.
"If the book is translated into Chinese, for example, the local administrator can incorporate examples of local business or remove (Western examples) that don't fit," he said.
Watson said he began writing business texts because they are his specialty, and he's already a part of a global network in that field.
As soon as word began to spread, however, he was contacted by professors from around the world offering to contribute texts in biology, medicine, economics and physics.
"Everyone's been more than willing to help," he said.
But George Brook, head of the geography department, said the program has logistical problems.
Most countries would have computer access through the school, a local museum, or government agency, but individual students are not likely to have them, he said.
"I don't think many of these countries would have computer facilities to allow students to access Web materials on a regular basis," Brook said. "And, I mean, yeah, you could print it out or put it on CD, but printing it could get expensive."
"I don't think online textbooks would hurt, though, if that's all they have. I just think nothing replaces a textbook you can hold in your hands," he said.
When asked whether students in developing nations could access the texts, Watson said most universities have a connection to the Internet.
"We give them the texts, and they can copy it onto a CD or print it. They have to solve the local distribution," he said.
To help sponsor the project, the group plans to present this idea to Global 1,000 firms - major corporations such as Coca-Cola and Delta - with the intention of building a library of 1,000 texts, each sponsored by a different company.
"Before we approach any companies, I want to have an entire book completed and have the first translation underway," Watson said.
"Then we can say, 'Here is the product. Here it is in translation. You can reach X-many consumers with this textbook'," he said.
"There are 132 million students in the world. Considering the number of people able to see their logo, it just makes sense financially," Watson said.
According to Watson, this is a worthwhile project that will basically sell itself to companies.
"All we need to do now is build a community so we can deliver some books," he said.
Watson said the project can always use more volunteers, and any student that would like to help is welcome. Students interested can contact Watson at rwatson@terry.uga.edu .