Copyright And Education In Conflict?
from the questions-to-ponder dept
Dark Helmet writes in to alert us to an article discussing a recent Larry Lessig speech concerning conflicts between copyright and education, leading DH to write:"What do we, as a society, value more: business rights or education rights?Indeed. For quite some time it's appeared that there's a bit of a conflict in the basics of copyright and the concept of education -- which is all about sharing information and spreading that information. It's one of those things that copyright maximalists (especially the ones who are professors) usually don't like to talk about.
Because we're more and more often hearing stories about IP law effecting things like text book answers, lesson agendas, syllabi, etc. It seems that we are so wrapped up in the idea of personal rights and personal walls around the content that we create or organize that we're losing sight of some truly important values, none more so than the ability to educate our emerging leaders to their fullest. After all, what could do more to promote the progress of our society and way of life as a whole than to educate our masses to the fullest? What standing could one possibly have to impede another's education to eke out further profit?"
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Filed Under: copyright, education, lawrence lessig
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Either or Questions, Ugh.
I think in many areas we are asking which one is more important, when we should be asking how these two institutions in society have made it as far as they have.
Under old models, perhaps these two areas failed miserably together. I can't say for sure, but I think a lot of work could be done to see how these areas are bested suited to operate. First, I think they really need to be dissected down to their bones, and basic functions. Then, I would suggest developing a model to define how they could be successful and sustainable. After that, then a good moderate effort be made. Probably an effort that is not designed by the needs of politicians or special interest groups, but let the moderate thinkers do what they do best.
I think both business and education could do with a more sustainable focus, and as the succeeding generations in North America take over, we will have our answer.
It's a tough question, but one worth the work!
Jamie
Vancouver, Canada
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It still hasn't arrived at my university's library, but hopefully will within the next few days.
As for teaching though, most professors I know are totally fine with others' making use of their teaching materials, more or less copying their syllabi, etc. I agree though that the economics of the textbook industry are severely distorted.
I think that the "professor demands students destroy notes" sorts of stories are the rare exception rather than the rule, and I still don't see how it's a good idea for there to exist homework solutions manuals which can easily be purchased by students (regardless of what copyright law does or doesn't say about the matter).
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Half of my textbooks came with "solution manuals." Guess what? They were HELPFUL.
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Conflict
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Threatening Students
This firm has as one of its clients the estate of Dr. Seuss.
Some animation students, fans of Dr. Seuss wanted to create as a class project a Marvin K. Mooney short...you know to practice, learn and pay respects. They were given a rather rude awakening: http://www.spinquad.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22083
And shut the semester's project down: http://www.marvinkmooney.com/
Pleasant, no?
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There's just something funny...
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Re: There's just something funny...
And I thought you'd be overjoyed that you finally got a submissions published. ;)
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Re: Re: There's just something funny...
Oh, I am. More so I was pleased that my thoughts were regarded highly enough to be reproduced on the post.
But you have to understand that when I read that line, my mind immediately showed me a picture of Rick Moranis in full DH gear holding a read alert phone up to his Helmet and chattering excitedly.
And that is funny...
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