Fair Use of Films at Universities

The University of California at Los Angeles is under fire from The Association for Information and Media Equipment, an educational-media trade group. The issue at hand here is whether the University violated copyright laws by allowing instructors to provide copyrighted videos to students via their course websites. The school argues that their use of the videos fall under fair use because the purpose is merely for education and even falls under the guidelines of the Teach Act. The university believes it is protected by those exceptions and the Teach Act, which allows limited use of copyrighted materials for online education. On the other hand, opponents argue, "fair use" applies to face-to-face teaching.
(http://chronicle.com/blogPost/UCLA-Will-Resume-Streaming/21594/)
This debate suggests that it may be time to alter copyright laws, especially with respect to technology. Advances in technology allow for students and instructors to create an environment where learning can occur on several different platforms. During my Undergraduate studies at Saint Louis University, we were allowed in film courses and other classes to view full films via Blackboard. These videos were a supplement to class material, and at times were the focus of class discussions and learning material. At times it was very difficult to manage and change your schedule so that you could visit the media lab to watch a film; this method is much more convenient and cost-friendly.

I believe that this should be protected under copyright laws due to the simple fact that the films are being utilized for education. In addition, only the students who are enrolled in the specific course and can log into the system have access to the videos. It's not as if anyone can visit the school or course website and watch the videos, access is password and user-protected. I think the media group opposing them just needs something to whine about and are looking for another way to make money-get over it! We are in a new age, a digital age, where almost everything can be utilized in a digital form. It's convenient, less costly, and provides innovative ways to provide education to many people.