Twelve years ago, SCFA lobbied for a California law ensuring that faculty would maintain intellectual property rights to all of their class materials. But before UCSC professors can sign on to teach Coursera courses, the university asks them to waive that right. According to a March 5 letter from UCSC professor and union rep Shelly Errington to senior university labor relations official Renée Mayne, professors worry these waivers will “irrevocably grant the university the absolute right and permission to use” their materials. “These issues were not discussed with the [union], the exclusive bargaining unit for the UCSC faculty, prior to the signing of the contract between Coursera and [Santa Cruz],” Errington wrote. The SCFA is not alone in its trepidation. Bob Samuels, president of the University Council-American Federation of Teachers, told Inside Higher Ed he is concerned that MOOC participation among a few professors might undermine all professors’ rights.

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by Aimee Hosler, City Town Info.

Posted: March 20th, 2013, by: admin. Categories: . Awaiting Comments.