Thing 6 - Copyright in the Digital Age

In this 'thing' we will take a look at copyright. As a teacher, I have often found myself surrounded by various, and often very wrong, interpretations on how I can use digital media within my teaching practice.

This 'thing' will give you some resources that will help you better understand the real-deal when it comes to Copyright and Fair Use, and will certainly challenge things that you have been told about media useage in your teaching practice.

First - watch this video on Fair Use for Media Literacy Education:

Second - take a look at the The Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Media Literacy Education. (PDF). Once you have done a quick overview, look at PAGE 15. Make note of the common myths regarding copyrighted work.

Third - visit http://www.teachingcopyright.org/. Take a look at the page on Frequently Asked Questions About Fair Use - http://www.teachingcopyright.org/handout/fair-use-faq

Task - Now that you have taken a look a the three resources, think about what you have been told and have heard about copyright and fair use in your organization. Create a blog post to answer these questions:

• What have you been told that you may have just discovered is incorrect? 
• What things had you believed about copyright that have now been challenged? 
• What new things do you think you will incorporate into your teaching practice now that you know the reality versus some myths?

Bonus Resources:

Defining and Applying Fair Use

Wanna Work Together (Video)

Picture from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/creativecommons/3303748855/sizes/m/

Thing 6 - Blog About Technology Literacy

For this week, please read this award winning post by Karl Fisch, entitled: Is It Okay To Be A Technologically Illiterate Teacher?

Your task: On your blog, please reflect on Karl's posting.

Just so we have an operational definition of 'Technology Literate" - we're not talking about using PowerPoint or a web browser in a classroom. We are talking about learning about the tools, understanding their pedagogical uses, and allowing them to be used in your classroom.

PS: Also be sure to add at least one comment to another participant's blog. That's what online professional learning communities are all about - connecting, communication, and conversation. CHEER and otherwise encourage your colleagues.

Also - if you wish to post comments here in addition to your own blog, please feel free.

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Curriculum Connections:
Idea #1: Never miss an opportunity to share and discuss issues related to technology such as Internet safety & ethics, censorship, plagiarism, copyright, and library collection development.

Idea#2: Use your digital camera for classroom day one activities. Take pictures of features of your classroom, where things your kids will visit (office, drinking fountain, etc) and make a PowerPoint of them to show in class.