Policy Development and Intellectual Property

The control of intellectual property, including copyright, by higher education constituents is an increasingly important focus of national and institutional policy debates. Over the past 20 years, the influx of technology and the resulting digitization of knowledge, especially in the areas of instructional technology and distance education, have brought intellectual property to the forefront of contested issues in higher education. Campuses across the country are reconsidering and revising intellectual property policies, especially in the area of copyrighted materials, including software and instructional technologies. Traditional notions of ownership, control, and use of educational materials are being challenged by the revolution in communications technology.

In the free EDUCAUSE Live! Web seminar, "Developing and Implementing Successful Intellectual Property Policies for Online Courses," on April 26, Veronica Diaz, Instructional Technology Manager and Adjunct Faculty, Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction, Maricopa Community Colleges, and Patricia McGee, Associate Professor of Instructional Technology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, will review various existing policies, highlight exemplary policies, and make recommendations on policy development and implementation. Those unable to attend can view the EDUCAUSE Live! archives after the event, as well as browse related EDUCAUSE resources on Copyright or Intellectual Property Policies and Policy Development.