BLOGGING FOR CREATIVE RIGHTS

Access

Based on what you have learned in this unit, in the first box below make a list of all the different types of digital artists whose intellectual property rights need protecting online. In the second box, list the legal ways of accessing their work. In the third box, list the illegal ways some people access their work.

Digital artists

Legal access

Illegal access

International Respect

Different laws apply in different parts of the world but the principle of respecting other people’s creativity crosses all national boundaries. Choose one of these case studies to read through in your group. When you have read it carefully, make notes on the questions below:

The Protection of Computer Programs –
http://www.wipo.int/ipadvantage/en/details.jsp?id=2567

Localising Technology: The Story of Bijoy –
http://www.wipo.int/ipadvantage/en/details.jsp?id=2624

Making notes:

(i) In your own words, summarise the case study. Where does it take place? Who are the main characters involved? What are the key issues that it raises?

(ii) How does protecting individuals’ intellectual property rights help these businesses grow?

Free legal downloads

Not all free downloads of digital content are illegal. And some businesses have found ways to make content legally available without cost to the consumer. Find out more about these concepts:

Creative Commons
https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work

Open Educational Resources
https://jisc.ac.uk/guides/open-educational-resources

Open Source Initiative
http://www.opensource.org/

Spotify music streaming
www.spotify.com

In what ways does this research broaden your understanding of copyright laws in the digital age?

Why do you think it is important for young people to understand the distinction between copyright products and those that are freely available?

Raise Awareness

In your groups, you are going to design and plan a website to raise awareness among young people your age about the rights and responsibilities surrounding digital content on the Internet. Use the following questions to help you organise your ideas:

What will you call your website? Try to think of a name that will attract your target age group and includes a reference to the key concepts.

How many sections will you have and what topics will they cover? Look back through your notes from this unit of work to remind yourself of the main issues.

Try to include a glossary of terms. Where would this fit in the site and what words would you include?

What content can you plan that will interest your target group? What sort of things do people your age like to do, read and watch? How will you attract them to read your site? Think about quizzes, games, infographics, animations, human-interest stories, surveys etc.

What will the colour, design and style of your site be like? What is the logo?

Extension
Using an online web template, create your website. Develop your ideas within your group and allocate different content production to different people in the group. If you have access to video cameras, interview friends and family about their attitudes to intellectual property rights.