Question

OpenStudy, as a whole, needs to change.

OS has the potential to be a really powerful online community and discussion place for thinkers. It has the potential to be a very powerful complement to our education (and isn't that the goal?) However, the focus is too heavy on science-based, correct-answer-based courses. Finding the correct answer isn't how you learn.

I'd love to see a subject for "philosophy", where students could discuss the merit of Plato's ideal state, a subject for "political science" where we could propose non-violent reactions to terrorism, and so on.

Answer 1

I appreciate how you think. Now the only thing we have to wait for is the admin. Now, if I am allowed to add my points, I will.

\(\cdot\) Exactly what the users at OpenStudy think. Real learning is focused on understanding. I agree with you.

I can't help with the second one, but I think it's a great idea.

Answer 2

*thinking*

Answer 3

Focusing on one thing at a time is the only real way a site like this can hope to take off. We love the idea of more conceptual, discussion-based subjects on the site; however, we're focusing on getting the existing ones right before expanding. That lets us (since we have a small team) focus our efforts on doing one thing well.

We do want to look at expanding subject offerings to more discussion-based subjects in the future, though.

Answer 4

@shadowfiend I totally appreciate that. Thank you and your team for all your hard work!

I'm concerned though that, if open discussion and inventive thought are something you want to cultivate, the other subjects might be setting the tone right now and preventing you from doing that it in the future. It could be that new users come to OpenStudy because they hear they can crowdsource the right answer... and not to contribute to an intellectual society.

Regardless, let me know how it goes! Do you have a time-line of potential implementation?

Answer 5

@logangraham just a friendly hint (because you are new) We don't tag mods in OpenStudy Feedback. That bugs them. ;)

Answer 6

@rebeccaskell94 oops :) Thanks! Noted!

Answer 7

No problem :)

Answer 8

Less of a problem when you're replying to us. We get annoyed when you tag us to try and get our attention when we pay constant attention to this group anyway ;)

No timeline, unfortunately. There's a lot of stuff going on over the next few months both directly and indirectly related to this community, and things are going to get a bit hectic. It's true that we've run some experiments here and there with new groups, so maybe I'll talk to Colm and see if he wants to run such a one with a philosophy group.

Answer 9

A philosophy group sounds awesome!

Answer 10

the nest is still updated on the plans of the admins right? hmm

Answer 11

One huge step in that direction would be to get rid of the "Best Answer" button. Replace it with "Best Solution" or "Best Response". The problem is "Best Answer" implies to give answers. And worst, the best ANSWER. So a user gives the answer thinking that they have done a good thing, when instead, all they've done is violate CoC.

Answer 12

Excellent idea. We'll get it done.

Answer 13

(Response, not solution. Solution doesn't really apply in cases like history, unfortunately.)

Answer 14

Of course I made this same suggestion months ago but it did not get shot down apparently.

Answer 15

I love the "Best Response" idea, @Hero. Have some imaginary kudos.

Also, imaginary kudos to the OpenStudy team and especially shadowfiend for such a welcoming attitude to our suggestions!

Answer 16

Hero, like the idea of best response as well. Also like this thread of how we could branch out to non science and math areas. Things are seldom cut and dried!

Answer 17

Do any other OpenStudy community members want to vouch that they're interested in more qualitative, discussion-based subjects? I want to see how much interest there is. And that might help the admins too.

Answer 18

@Hero def good suggestion, and you may or may not notice that change soon courtesy @shadowfiend :p

Answer 19

Chris — Cheers! You just tagged an admin.

Answer 20

=)

Answer 21

Cheers Parth

Answer 22

where's the wine?