Impact of copyright laws on flexible delivery of university education

Abstract

[Abstract]: The digital age has greatly increased the way in which information is accessed. While the way in which information is accessed has changed in the tertiary sector in the past decade, concerns about ownership, access, and control of copyrighted information is also growing. At the same time, students are making contradictory demands for more flexibility and access to university resources from where ever students are located. To provide a truly flexible learning environment, an alternative access to library and other study related material should be appropriately supported according to the current legislative environment. As substantial users and creators of copyrighted information, colleges and universities continuously strive to develop mechanisms that effectively manage this information. Protective technologies are being developed to ensure appropriate control mechanisms, some times with the peril of substantially limited access to information. Recently introduced guidelines for electronic copying and communication in Australia attempt to provide a framework for proper use of copyrighted material in online and electronic environments. This discussion paper will explore the myriad of issues involved in managing copyrights in higher education. The discussion involves addressing the Australian Copyright Laws and their impact on flexible education delivery. The need to educate all parties involved, especially the content creators and unit coordinators about the impact of Copyright legislation on practical issues relating to every day management and storage of Copyrighted material. As copyright legislation is not globally uniform, issues relating to how to cope with inconsistent legislative environment must be considered in flexible education delivery. The main aim of this paper is to provide an understanding of the significance of the copyright requirements for anyone involved in flexible delivery of university education.