Impediments to Learning Object Reuse and Openness as a Potential Solution

Abstract

The restrictions of copyright law and its accompany-ing penalties are ambient factors in our everyday lives. "Everyone knows" you’re not allowed to make a copy of a textbook, article, or simulation without permission. The technically daunting and time-consuming process of requesting permission, and the inevitable fees associated with that permission if granted, prevent law-abiding individuals and organizations from reusing most of the learning objects they find on the Internet or in repositories.