Key policy questions include:
-
Is the development of works such as learning resources or research outputs part of a student’s learning contract
with the institution? -
What training and support are available to students in the development of such works? Is the use/
development of OER encouraged in this process? - Who owns the copyright in the works produced by students e.g. assignments, research outputs and
- co-created learning or research resources? What privacy issues are involved?
- Under what conditions can the works created by students be shared with others?
Illustrative case studies:
- Students: what rights do I have to the works I create?
- Students: what if I work for the institution part-time?
Related toolkits: Copyright and Licensing Toolkit
Illustrative resources/sample templates:
- Example of student learning contract
- Example of permission to publish thesis/dissertation as OER
- Example of employment contract – part-time materials developer
Questions to think about:
- Do you think students’ work should be available for review by people other than institutional staff? If so, under what circumstances? If not, why not?
- What is the policy of your institution on sharing student work? Note that it is usually a requirement that successful Masters and doctoral dissertations/theses be available in the public realm. What are the implications of this for privacy, permissions and ethics with respect to both the student researcher and the subjects of his/her research?
- What information about students should be available and to whom? For example, should funders have access to student assessment records for students receiving bursaries? What are the privacy issues involved? What is the practice at your institution?
Questions to think about:
- How would you respond to this request if you were Mpho?
- The case study illustrates the reason why paid work should be subject to a clear contract in writing, which spells out the respective rights of different parties with regard to commissioned works. If you have done work for your university and have a copy of a contract, check the conditions to see what rights you and the university have over the works that you produce.