Penn State Intercom......March 15, 2001

Faculty Senate holds discussion
on courseware issues

By Tysen Kendig
Public Information

As educational technology continues to evolve into a critical component of the classroom curriculum, the debate over ownership of teaching software -- or courseware -- has opened on college campuses nationwide. With a rapidly expanding World Campus and a tech-savvy student body in excess of 81,000, Penn State is at the forefront of the multi-faceted discussion.

A Faculty Senate report has examined these complex issues involved with copyright and usage of electronic courseware. The Courseware Policy Subcommittee presented its findings to the full Senate on Feb. 27, detailing recommendations designed to provide incentives for faculty and staff to take advantage of the pedagogical benefits of educational software while protecting the interests of the University and controlling costs to its students.

"For a large institution like Penn State, with multiple campuses statewide, there is a greater vulnerability to corporations and online institutions like the University of Phoenix coming in and stealing away the educational interests of Penn State," said Thomas Jackson, chair of the subcommittee. "We need a policy to combat that."

The heart of the issue was determining ownership rights to courseware based on whether it was software commissioned and subsidized by the University or created as the sole initiative of a faculty member. Courseware refers to modules, which are computer programs that supplement the physical classroom environment, or full courseware -- an entirely software-based course.

The subcommittee recommended that the University have copyright ownership on courseware and modules when the University initiates its development as a normal duty or special project of a faculty member for which extra compensation is provided. The University, however, would make no claim to copyright ownership of any form of non-commissioned courseware -- but should claim the royalty-free, non-exclusive right to use such software in University programs.

Another recommendation suggested that since complete courseware is a full replacement of a University educational program, the use of such software is allowed only under University supervision. In addition, courseware modules that impose a cost to students also require University approval. No-cost courseware modules may be applied at the discretion and oversight of the Penn State author.

Opposing viewpoints suggested that the proposed plan hinders entrepreneurial activity by University personnel and is counteractive to retaining top faculty. They also suggest that traditional teaching tools that incorporate courseware, such as electronic textbooks, are not clearly addressed.

The report, which was questioned and debated for nearly an hour, was presented for discussion only, not for a vote. Committee members plan to evaluate the Senate feedback and present a revised report at a future meeting.

In other Senate business, legislation designed to improve and expand the active learning component of general education courses was approved.

Informational reports also were given on the student computing initiative, information technology fee and grade distribution. Diane Ryan, executive director of the Penn State Alumni Association, also gave a report to the Senate, citing that in addition to the association's efforts to connect with alumni via intercollegiate athletics, the group also has established successful partnerships through student affairs, outreach and cooperative extension, and the academic community.

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