Solution to Melody's Dilemma

Lesson Content

• Lesson Plan Template:

  CTE Lesson Plan

• CTE Course Info and Benchmark Notes

  
  

  Course Title: Digital Discoveries in Society

  Course Number: 9009600 Digital Discoveries in Society

  Career Cluster: Information Technology

  CIP Number: 0511020111

  Course Type: EXPL - Middle School Programs

• Unit Outline

  
  

  This lesson is designed to be used with the case study, “Melody's Dilemma,” see Resource ID: 215046.

• Career Connection

  
  

  Students will discuss issues related to downloading music, videos, or images from the Internet. Students will compare and contrast copyright and fair use laws, especially concerning using online resources.

• Learning Objectives

  
  

  Students will be able to:

  • Develop different strategies for addressing unauthorized sampling of music.
  • Apply knowledge of copyright laws to ensure a legal and ethical use of online music.
  • Demonstrating proficiency in referencing copyright laws to support recommendations for improved online music success for artist and industry.
  • Write a narrative as a character in the case study on how to approach an issue of copyright and sampling music.

• Prior Knowledge

  
  

  Students should be familiar with/able to:

  • Understanding of Copyright laws and Intellectual Property Right (IPR)
  • Loss of Royalties

• Guiding Questions

  
  
  • What are some of the challenges Melody Stardust faces regarding the unauthorized use of her music on social media platforms?
  • Why must Melody protect her intellectual property rights (IPR) as an artist?
  • What are the potential financial consequences of unauthorized sampling of Melody's music?
  • Evaluate the different approaches suggested by Melody's friend, Emma, and her record label.
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?
  • How might Melody's actions regarding the unauthorized sampling of her music impact her relationship with her fans and her reputation as an artist?
  • What role do you think social media platforms should play in preventing the unauthorized use of copyrighted material?

• Procedure

  
  

  Introduction

  • Review terminology related to ethics and laws such as copyright laws and how they relate to streaming music on social media.
  • Introduce the history of music format evolution (attached Timeline Music Format Sort)
  • Distribute the different formats and in small groups or pairs, students will put them in sequence from oldest to newest.
  • Discuss how obtaining music has changed.
  • As a class, create a Pros and Cons chart of the physical music and streaming/online music.

  Discussion/comprehension questions

  • What are some of the challenges Melody Stardust faces regarding the unauthorized use of her music on social media platforms?
  • Why is it important for Melody to protect her intellectual property rights (IPR) as an artist?
  • What are the potential financial consequences of unauthorized sampling of Melody's music?

  Student-centered and integrated activity

  • Partner read the case study “Melody’s Dilemma” CPALMS Resource ID# 215046.
  • Discuss/evaluate the different solutions and strategies Melody can use.
  • Each group will write their idea for Melody’s solution with markers on a large paper (giving blank space around so other students can write a comment on their idea).
  • Display all the ideas around the class.
  • Gallery walk the solutions. A gallery walk is a classroom discussion technique.
    • Students will begin by standing by their poster.
    • The teacher will ask students to move clockwise. They should have their markers. Give the students enough time to read the solution and write a reflection/comment/or question as a group to that solution.
    • After the allotted time, continue to do this until students return to their original poster.
    • Once at their original solution, students will read what their peers wrote.
  • Orally discuss

  Closure/Future Work

  After the gallery walk, students will write a narrative as a musician for the record label Beautiful Music Production Company. They have just encountered the same issues as Melody.

  Students will include:

  • Address at least one copyright law that has been broken.
  • Describe the support they need from the record label and other stakeholders to navigate this issue effectively.
  • Describe their plan for resolution to the problem.

• Teacher Notes

  
  

  Some ideas of pros and cons to Physical and Digital Music Physical Music Distribution

  Physical Music

  Pros:

  • Tangible Assets: Owning a physical copy of your favorite album isn’t just about the music. It’s about holding a piece of art in your hands.
  • High-Quality Sound: Vinyl records are known for their warm, rich sound.
  • Resale Value: Unlike digital music, physical music has a resale value. If you have a rare or collector’s edition album, it can increase in value over time. This is a unique advantage of physical music distribution.

  Chart Positions: Despite the rise of streaming services, physical sales still contribute to chart positions. This is especially true in certain genres and demographics where physical sales remain strong.

  Cons:

  • Costs: Physical music distribution can be expensive. From production to storage and shipping, the costs can add up quickly. This is a significant disadvantage, especially for independent artists on a tight budget.
  • Space Constraints: CDs, vinyl records, cassette tapes – they all take up physical space.

  Digital Music Distribution

  Pros:

  • Convenience: Digital music is incredibly convenient. With streaming services, you have access to a vast library of music at your fingertips. No need to carry physical copies around!
  • Accessibility: Digital music transcends geographical boundaries. You can listen to your favorite tracks anywhere, anytime, as long as you have an internet connection.
  • Instant Gratification: No waiting for shipments or trips to the store.
  • Space-saving: Digital music doesn’t take up any physical space.

  Cons:

  • Sound Quality: While digital music is convenient, it may not match the sound quality of vinyl records or high-end audio systems.
  • Ownership: With digital music, you don’t truly own the files. They’re licensed to you, and if the streaming service shuts down or changes its terms, your access could be affected.
  • Loss of Artwork: Digital albums lack the visual appeal of album covers and liner notes. The artistry and storytelling that accompany physical releases are often missing.
  • Dependency on Technology: Streaming relies on technology. If servers crash or your internet goes down, your music disappears temporarily.

• Optional

  
  

  Special Materials:

  • Case Study “Melody’s Dilemma” CPALMS Resource ID# 215046