The recent release of a “best practices” guide to copyright and fair use has generated the typical echo effect among educational bloggers. It is pretty obvious from my previous comments that there is something about more and more liberal interpretation of “fair use” that annoys me. The exact source of this annoyance is difficult to pin down. I think it has something to do with my typical reaction when I interpret behavior as based in assumptions of entitlement.
- That is good stuff.
- I deserve that good stuff whether I feel like compensating those responsible or not.
I really think a different approach should be promoted within the educational community. This approach would be based in principles of learning by doing/authoring and sharing. Creative commons, inexpensive online social applications and tools, and wider acceptance of authentic projects encourage the type of personal commitment I would like to support.
Why assume you have a right to the good stuff someone else expects to be compensated for creating? Have you made the effort to search for resources others offer you the rights to use? Have you made the effort to contribute to such a sharing community yourself? When are choices based in convenience and self-indulgence?
Why isn’t the online discussion focusing on questions such as these and promoting the work of those who take the sharing option?
Yes, I know projects like this exist. There are big and small efforts to share lessons and learning objects (e.g., Merlot).
My favorite “test case” for this approach might be the effort of Bernie Dodge to establish a repository and organizational system for web quests (Quest Garden). I wonder how this project is going. The site still exists. I tried “One Trick Pony” , Dr. Dodge’s blog, but he hasn’t posted since July of 2007. One issue is this. The “sharing” site requires a minimal fee to support the cost of server space, maintenance, etc. I wonder if use has grown. I wonder if the fee was too much and folks only respond to free. A second issue is simply the willingness of individuals to contribute webquests they have developed.
BTW – I do think it is important to back up your own position with actions. I do expect people to pay for some resources I create (our books). I also make the effort to share (my free book). I hope you take a look and I also hope you offer resources you create.
