Copyright & OER “Lite”: A shortened introduction to copyright and open licenses for authors and curators who have sharing in mind

Abstract

Lengthy, detailed copyright and open-licensing instructional sessions commonly generate glazed-over responses, limited retention, and worse -- precious lost momentum and time when starting a new OER project. This presentation shares an applied approach to copyright and open licensing based on frequently asked questions of novice OER collection curators and prospective OER creators. The session integrates important “ah ha” moments, such as “copyright is a default, even if you don’t add a (c)” and “just because something is free on the web does not mean it is in the Public Domain” as well as relevant childhood examples regarding acceptable conditions for borrowing others’ bicycles and the light-hearted examples regarding the value of sharing. The method covers learning objectives relevant to OER collection curators and authors who value making and sharing their original educational works for others’ use. It includes significant use of analogies, discussion, and memorable visual elements.