Introduction to Software Piracy Using SIIA resources.

Topic area Software Piracy
Target audience Undergraduate IS/CS/CE/EE majors in general.
Activity type web-based research, worksheets, video
Time required One class period.
Attachments Pre-video Worksheet
Post-video Worksheet
Additional materials "It Could Have been So Easy" video.
Background needed to complete the assignment No particular knowledge or skills are needed to complete the assignment.
References
Last modified February 14, 2000
Abstract:
This is a simple sequence of activities meant to familiarize students with issues in the software piracy area, and how the software industry combats software piracy. Students should be given the two worksheets ahead of time and asked to bring them to class already completed. Alternatively, they worksheets can be given in class along with short printouts from the SIIA site.

Review and discuss the answers to the first worksheet in class. At the end of this discussion, be sure that students understand the definition of copyright and the penalties associated with copyright infringement.

Show the video "It Could Have Been So Easy" in class. You may want to have a news article from a raid on a local or well-known company to give students in addition to watching the video. Briefly discuss the video, pointing out the effects on the company and how the SIIA wants companies to treate software.

Discuss the second worksheet. Point out the SIIA is clearly pursuing both (a) pirates who have money to pay penalties, and (b) pirates who cost software companies lots of money. Goals for the activity:
Students should understand the basic elements of copyright protection of software, and the SIIA's pursuit of software pirates.

Knowledge / skills / attitudes to be developed (behavioral objectives):
Students should develop (a) an understanding of copyright protection, (b) an appreciation for the effect of software piracy on the industry, and (c) an appreciation of how the industry fights software piracy.

Procedure:
See above.

Assessing outcomes:
The only assessment of outcome is to grade the responses on the worksheet. This could be as simple as a binary done / not done.

Additional remarks:
None.

Author contact information:
Kevin W. Bowyer
Computer Science & Engineering
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL 33620-5399
Fax: 813 974-5456
Email: kwb@csee.usf.edu

Page maintained by: kwb@csee.usf.edu