An Analysis of Copyright Policies for Distance Learning Materials at Major Research Universities
Kathryn Ann Loggie
Ann E. Barron
Elizabeth Gulitz
Tina N. Hohlfeld
Jeffrey D. Kromrey
Melissa Venable
University of South Florida
Phyllis Sweeney
St. Petersburg College
Abstract
This study describes an investigation of the intellectual property policies of a stratified random sample of public and private Carnegie Doctoral Research – Extensive Universities. Current copyright law was reviewed as well as the status of the “academic exception.” University policies were examined to determine whether or not they included provisions for distance learning materials or courseware, what provisions were made for ownership, and what exceptions, if any, were applicable. In addition to providing summary statistics, public and private universities’ policies were compared. Policies that were determined to be exemplary and noteworthy were profiled. Results were interpreted in terms of the need for comprehensive and explicit policies to support online course development and delivery.
About the Author(s)...
Kathryn Ann Loggie is a lawyer and doctoral student in Instructional Technology at the University of South Florida. She teaches Business Technology and Political Science courses at Marathon High School, Marathon, FL. and Computer Science courses at Florida Keys Community College. She may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ann E. Barron is a Professor in the Instructional Technology program at the University of South Florida. Dr. Barron teaches graduate level courses in instructional design and multimedia development. Her research interests include the use of audio in e-learning, trends in distance education, and integration of technology in K-20 education. She may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Elizabeth Gulitz is Associate Professor and Academic Director of the Office of Educational Technology and Assessment for the College of Public Health at the University of South Florida. Dr. Gulitz teaches graduate level maternal and child health and community health courses. She was the Principal Investigator of the grant Innovations in Teaching and Technology that funded this study. She may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Tina N. Hohlfeld is a doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Instructional Technology at the University of South Florida. Her research interests include the empowerment of at-risk students through the integration of technology and best practices for collaboration in the web-based distance learning environment. She may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Jeffrey D. Kromrey is Professor and Chair of the Department of Educational Measurement and Research at the University of South Florida. Dr Kromrey teaches graduate level courses in applied statistics and data analysis. His research interests have focused primarily on methodological issues in the analysis of quantitative data. He may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Melissa Venable is a doctoral candidate in Instructional Technology at the University of South Florida. She is currently an Instructor and Academic Advisor with research interests in distance education and the development and delivery of online student support services. She has presented at conferences in the areas of instructional technology, distance education, and career services. She may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Phyllis Sweeney received her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Instructional Technology from the University of South Florida, and also holds an ALA-accredited MA in Library and Information Science from the same institution. Dr. Sweeney’s primary interests are in using databases for decision-making in education, and in developing distance courses based on best practices. She may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
