Intellectual Property and Copyright: The Effects Upon Education and Information Availability in Developing Countries
Abstract: Rapid growth in electronic document exchange has pushed copyright law into the international arena where diplomats debate its purpose and usefulness across the spectrum of developed/developing countries. Quite apart from the debates, however, educators in developing countries continue to struggle to teach with limited or no resources, and students find it difficult to afford educational materials.
It is within this setting that the educator in a developing country faces the dilemma of how to teach children and young people the value of honesty and adherence to government laws while ensuring that they have access to needed resources. Teaching students to think creatively and critically, authoring materials for local publication, and finding equitable and cost-effective methods of procuring materials are ways in which the educator can help to narrow the “knowledge gap” while working within intellectual property laws. By choosing to explore these avenues, teachers and students can help to create a more equitable society where information flows more freely.
Annette D. Melgosa
Note: Right click the link and save file (link) to download the PDF file.
