PLATO in Search of Identity

Abstract

PLATO is conceived as a research initiative among multiple German universities and research institutes, and cooperating universities and researchers globally. PLATO investigates the representation of information on the Internet and social media and its effects on students’ positive learning as a vital, scientifically, morally, and ethically oriented learning approach in a knowledge society. Yet PLATO is in search of its identity. Research projects are tangentially and variably aligned with its interdisciplinary and inter-university mission. Organizational and financial commitment, leadership and research coherence is illusive especially when many universities led by Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz are involved. An identity is proposed herein where research and development (R&D) would take place in “Pasteur’s Quadrant”: R&D in “use inspired basic research.” From this perspective, an organization for PLATO, one possible vision, is sketched that includes leadership, research areas, and public outreach where research meets practice and vice versa.