Copyright Awareness

When using media in the classroom, it is important for the teacher to use sources that do not infringe on copyright laws. The basic law states that the author of the original work has reserved all rights; one must obtain permission in order to copy, display, or distribute the digital media. However, there are laws placed in the US (fair use) and Canada (fair dealing) which allows the use of these digital works without being perceived as copyright infringement. As Canadian teachers:

1)   We may not show a video in the classroom without acquiring permission (public performance rights). In addition, if the teacher would like to use a YouTube video the video must have a CC (Creative Common license).

2)   Teachers must not distribute or copy documents without payment being made to copyright owners.

For teaching copyright in the classroom, I believe its important for the teacher to get the students to define the term copyright; let the students make their own inferences about the issue. From the student’s research, the teacher can then make sure the students are aware of the importance of gaining permission to use certain digital media. In addition, it is important for the teacher to get the students familiar with citing various digital media; as well as creating a works cited page.

Below are a couple examples of proper citing for images found online.

Children using computers in the classroom

San José Library. (August 7, 2008). Children using computers. [Online photograph].
Retrieved from http://bit.ly/2cf7Fbi

A cup of coffee 

Macintosh, James. (18 August 2015). Coffee. [Online photograph].
Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/298264.php