Instructional Media Lab extends hours
By Jillian Ames
Feb. 16, 2010 9:00 p.m.
The Instructional Media Lab recently extended its hours while decisions regarding the copyright infringement, which prevent video postings to class Web sites, are resolved.
After the Association for Information Media and Equipment accused UCLA of copyright infringement, the university issued a letter to professors notifying them that they were no longer permitted to post instructional videos on class Web sites starting winter quarter.
The cost of the additional hours for the Instructional Media Lab, where students can access such course material, was covered by temporary funds pulled from the Instructional Improvement Plan, said Larry Loeher, associate vice provost and director of the Office of Instructional Development Management.
However, despite these additional hours, which went into effect Feb. 8, not many students have taken advantage of them.
“There have been hardly any people (at the extended hours). I guess people do not know about the extended hours, or they are at inconvenient times,” said Daniel Kim, an employee at the Instructional Media Lab.
However, the trafficking in the Media Lab during non-extended hours has been greatly increased since the suspension of online postings, Loeher said.
In the past, the Instructional Media hours have been cut because of a lack of students attending the available hours, which were originally shortened to save money, Loeher said.
Phil Hampton, a university spokesman, said he believes the suspensions on video postings will only be temporary and that both parties hope to arrive at a mutual agreement.
As for spring quarter, there is little information available regarding the suspensions and whether or not they will continue throughout the rest of the school year.
“We are aware of the importance of instructional technology and will encourage use where appropriate,” Hampton said. “We are broadening discussions because we are aware of the implications at UCLA and other places of higher education.”
With reports from Bailey West, Bruin contributor.
