Managing Intellectual Property for Distance Learning

Liz Johnson, Project Manager, Advanced Learning Technologies, Board of Regents of the Universty System Georgia.

This presentation refers to the Teachers section of the USA IP&C Act. This section is similar to The Australian “Fair Use” section of our Act. The problem presented is very similar to the Institute of TAFE Tasmania in relation to Risk Managing IP&C other than them not having available to them the Copyright Kitchen as we do have. Access to the Copyright Kitchen possibly would not help due to the subtle differences in the two Acts.

The presenter gave a very clear overview of the processors they used which followed ;

Planning

• Establish a protocol
• Train the design team
• Assign a status to IP
• Assess IP

Refer to 3r^d slide for the model of their protocol.

• Determined that the works where possible were to be created on campus (this seems to be a massive task and could need some scrutiny)
• If we don’t own it establish if we can we link to it, maintenance issues prevail and staff need to be cognizant of their responsibilities
• Can you apply the teacher act? This was introduced to overcome the new millennium IP&C (Known as the Digital Amendments part of the Act in Australia) changes in the Act
• Can’t allow transmission of the works (this seemed to be a bit of overkill because with permission transmission is generally allowed)
• Can you apply the Fair Use section of the act?
• If all the above don’t comply seek and gain permission to use

This is a far more rigid and rigorous process than we apply.

The designers then needed to be trained so they can implement the protocol; the training includes

• The Instructional Designers and Teacher’s
• Consider and understand limits of time, budget, and owner prerogative
• Identifying the complete source information is needed at the outset
• Update the USG copyright policy and training on copyright.
• What are the jurisdictional issues, cross state and country legal implications.

Training to assign Status to IP

• That is what are the conditions that apply, minimal to major
• If it required sign off at higher level try and avoid using the works

Training for the assessment of the IP&C

• What are the implications of using 3^rd party IP&C

Implementation issues

• Costs
• time
• sign off within the organisation
• needed a tool help mange IP&C so developed there own.

Refer to slide for samples of the tool but appeared to be similar to out form letters and IP&C sign off documentation.