Copyright infringement in the classroom is something that is done on a frequent basis. While it typically goes unnoticed, I feel like teachers should consider the moral and ethical concerns regarding the use of copyrighted material in their classrooms to modify or share with their students, especially since teachers are inherently seen in some communities as important role models who promote qualities of upstanding citizenship for their students. In the face of a new digital era, it is also important for students to learn and understand the legalities they face when working with copyrighted materials so that they can understand what they can and can't share, change, use as their own, or utilize in order to turn a profit.
Since materials that fall under the Creative Commons license terms are safe to share with students as well as for students to share (provided that the licensing terms are not violated in the process), I'd like that they knew the terms included with the 6 variations of Creative Commons licensing. I'd also like it if they stuck with those terms. In the classroom, I'd probably teach the laws, rules, and ethics of copyrights in a way similar to that which we had learned in class last night. The activity made for a simple and amusing way for all of us to understand the different rules of Creative Commons licensing; I found it to be a smart way for students to make sense of what's up for grabs.
i think it would be a good idea to show students that they need to follow a specific set of copyright laws, and let them know exactly how those laws operate, that way you can prevent any larger problems from erupting. but you're right, you need to let kids know what they are doping before they actually do it
ReplyDeleteI feel that students need to learn about copyright laws but that it has to start at a younger generation. It is important to note that most teachers that have used the internet for classes may not have even been aware of these laws in teaching with using internet sources. Teachers who are mostly lecture based and try new things like powerpoints with pictures probably have no idea that they are allowed to use certain photos off the internet and not others. This is why it will fall on new teachers who have more awareness about the copyright laws to uproot the problem at the beginning.
ReplyDeleteI think that you make some good points. In my opinion, perhaps the most important is the ethics of copyright laws. It is important for students to understand that there are reasons for these laws. Students may be aware that there is the possibility of punishment if they get caught breaking these laws, but as most of us know, that possibility is very small. However, making students understand what breaking these laws mean to another individual might lead to empathy for those who have copyrighted their material.
ReplyDeleteGood Points! Students should be aware of how easily these laws are broken. I also feel that Tom brought up a good point! If students understand not only how easily laws can be broken, then they can begin to establish empathy for how it would feel to have your work stolen. I think that by introducing students to Common creatives like Professor Murphy- Genter did with us, we are teaching them different ways to avoid violating copyright laws, and thus overall the greater purpose of being responsible with their work and others.
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Emily ~
i think this is a good point. students need to be aware of their responsibilities for borrowing other peoples ideas. i agree too that they wouldnt like having their stuff stolen, so we need to instill in them now how to aviod copy right infringements.
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