[Fcp-general] Solutions Manual

[Peter Hutnick]

I have a bit of a quandary.

The Algebra book contains an appendix with the answers (only) to the odd 
numbered exercises.  I am producing a "solutions manual" which is 
intended for teachers, and includes worked solutions to all the 
exercises.  I might make a student's solutions manual that contains 
worked solutions to the odd problems, to be used by students at their 
teacher's discretion.

The problem is that, since the material is under the GFDL I/we/whoever 
have no control over distribution.  Normally distribution of the 
teachers material is restricted by the publisher.  Students can't simply 
order the teacher's solutions manual.

I tend to take a liberal view on this.  There are any number of ways 
that students can cheat.  The solution is to instill a value of 
integrity in the student.  Teachers who value correct answers above 
learning motivate students to cheat.  When learning is the goal it is 
quite natural for children to learn via experimentation: cheating is a 
response to dysfunctional teaching.

On the other hand, some people or institutions that might otherwise like 
to use our material might be put off by the fact that we have worked 
solutions to every problem in the book available for anonymous download 
in PDF format.

We could restrict the download of this material, and give out passwords 
to people who take reasonable steps to demonstrate that they are 
teachers/parents/administrators.  But a PDF under the GFDL will surely 
get lose, and we can't put the genie back in the bottle.

So I'm looking for advice on how to proceed.  All thoughts are welcome. 
 This decision will probably set a precedent that will be far-reaching 
in the project, so speak up!

-Peter