In class we have been discussing Copyright Infringement and Google's efforts to digitize millions of books in order to create a gigantic online library. Of course this brings into play American Fair Use Laws and how it pertains to new technologies and the internet. In addition to some videos which I display on my blog, I have added here a panel discussion recorded at MIT about this issue for those who are interested. Before watching the debate, do the vocabulary exercise on "Legalese" to learn the basic terms used to discuss the judicial system in the United States.
Legalese Vocabulary Exercise
Matching exercise
Match the items on the right to the items on the left.
FREE AND OPEN INTERNET?
Gap-fill exercise
This is a recent extract from a Los Angeles radio talk show hosted by Leo Laporte, a High-Tech media enthusiast in which he talks about protecting what he calls "an open and free internet". His thoughts will be very useful for us as we debate internet access problems. His speech is natural and clear but fast for most students. Check your comprehension by filling in all the gaps, then press "Check" to check your answers. Use the "Hint" button to get a free letter if an answer is giving you trouble. You can also click on the "[?]" button to get a clue. Note that you will lose points if you ask for hints or clues! Good luck!