The Film Piracy Problem
The Film Piracy Problem
The Film Piracy Problem
Teacher Overview
Film piracy is the illegal copying and distribution of movies in print, videos, DVDs or electronic files. New developments in digital technology make server-based or peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing on the Internet convenient and relatively fast. A negative consequence of this new technology, however, is online theft of copyrighted material. This lesson introduces students to the problem of film piracy, focusing specifically on Internet file sharing, especially P2P. The lesson’s activities encompass much more than a focus on the effects of film piracy on profits for movie studios or royalties for actors. Activity A helps students define the issue and its implications. Activity B is a problem-solving project that challenges students’ team-building skills. Team members assume different roles: One researches and interprets copyright laws; another researches and reports on digital technology; and other viewpoints—the consumer’s as well as the filmmaker’s—are also explored. In completing their team tasks, students develop critical-thinking skills and a conceptual understanding of their subject. Because devising a solution requires application of knowledge from multiple subject areas, including math and social studies, this is an ideal activity to conclude The Story of Movies interdisciplinary curriculum. Students will read an article on film piracy. They will work in teams to research both print materials and Internet resources about film piracy. They’ll practice communicating information to one another, and then as a team present their “best solution” to the class. View the Film Standards and Cross-Curricular Connections for this teaching unit.
Learning Outcomes
Students will use problem-solving approaches to investigate and understand film piracy; research Internet and print sources; communicate specific information in a clear and concise way to team members; work in collaboration with a team to develop
The Film Piracy Problem
Teacher Overview
Film piracy is the illegal copying and distribution of movies in print, videos, DVDs or electronic files. New developments in digital technology make server-based or peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing on the Internet convenient and relatively fast. A negative consequence of this new technology, however, is online theft of copyrighted material. This lesson introduces students to the problem of film piracy, focusing specifically on Internet file sharing, especially P2P. The lesson’s activities encompass much more than a focus on the effects of film piracy on profits for movie studios or royalties for actors. Activity A helps students define the issue and its implications. Activity B is a problem-solving project that challenges students’ team-building skills. Team members assume different roles: One researches and interprets copyright laws; another researches and reports on digital technology; and other viewpoints—the consumer’s as well as the filmmaker’s—are also explored. In completing their team tasks, students develop critical-thinking skills and a conceptual understanding of their subject. Because devising a solution requires application of knowledge from multiple subject areas, including math and social studies, this is an ideal activity to conclude The Story of Movies interdisciplinary curriculum. Students will read an article on film piracy. They will work in teams to research both print materials and Internet resources about film piracy. They’ll practice communicating information to one another, and then as a team present their “best solution” to the class. View the Film Standards and Cross-Curricular Connections for this teaching unit.
Learning Outcomes
Students will use problem-solving approaches to investigate and understand film piracy; research Internet and print sources; communicate specific information in a clear and concise way to team members; work in collaboration with a team to develop