Richard,
Ask JISC Legal http://www.jisclegal.ac.uk/.
Regards,
Bruce
________________________________
From: Blackboard/Courseinfo userslist
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Richard Hall
Sent: 08 April 2005 17:00
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: discussion boards
We have a had an issue raised here about the liability of the
institution where a defamatory comment is posted on a discussion
board/collaboration session. So whilst the tutor can remove the post it
has still been "published". The key issue is are we still liable in law?
Our take has been that:
1. our student reg's cover the appropriate use of IT facilities and
student behaviour on campus (concrete or virtual) - these are made clear
at registration and induction;
2. module leaders have the ability to set standards for appropriate
behaviour based upon an agreed set of guidelines here, and they are
asked to reinforce this at induction and throughout the duration of the
module/programme;
3. module leaders have the ability to report inappropriate
behaviour to the faculty Head of Studies acting as provost; and
4. module tutors have the ability to remove postings and block
posters.
So where a posting has been removed and a report made to the HoS within
a clear process, are we still up-the-creek? Any thoughts would be
appreciated.
Have a good weekend.
Best wishes,
Richard.
Dr Richard Hall, ILTM,
e-Learning Co-ordinator,
Quality Improvement Team,
Department of Academic Quality,
0.35 Portland Building,
The Gateway,
De Montfort University.
Leicester.
LE1 9BH.
w: 0116 207 8254
m: 07799-056545
e: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
http://intranet.dmu.ac.uk/centre_learning_teaching/
<http://intranet.dmu.ac.uk/centre_learning_teaching/>
