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by Tallent Show

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used by permission from the free use photo pool

 

WHO'S WATCHING ANYWAY?

 

What's in a word? At the basic level the word 'copyright'  is easy to understand. It simply means to copy the right way. Use material created by other people in a correct and ethical manner. Don't steal other people's property. We have all heard "Imitation is the highest compliment" or something like that. But, using someone else's material without permission or taking credit for someone else's work - is not flattery - it is theft. It is hurtful and illegal. We are blessed and cursed by the flood of information and published works in our exploding digital society. The lines of creative ownership have become blurred because people can 'anonymously' access material on the world wide web and use it with ease. Most of the time this can be done without being "caught". When risk seems low and gain comes easily, it is no wonder that many people think little about copyright infringement or plagiarism. 

 

So, what is an educator to do?

• First, I must pay attention to the behavior I model for students.  When I legally use someone else's material, I need to explicitly state that I have done so and point out how this is done. Otherwise, students won't even notice the process. Don't we all fast forward through the credits?  
• I must be intentional and explicit about copyright issues when students are engaged in lessons that requires research or projects that involve the use of images, music, video, or other tangible material. Many adults are unsure of copyright rules. I cannot expect students to know what to do.
• Give students an opportunity to explore and practice.
• Hope that my teaching sinks in.