Understanding Copyrights?

Copyright gives authority to creators to decide how their work will be copied, shared, performed, or displayed. Any work in a tangible medium or form is protected under this law. Scanning, distributing, performing, and displaying without the creators permission is illegal. Not only is it illegal, the behaviors exercise negative digital citizenship. Advanced technology and unlimited access has equaled neglect of learning digital law.   

Having unlimited access to multi media today has caused many teachers to break copyright laws that they were unaware of. Most teachers believe they can utilize whatever media they want however they want. Their only concerning focus is not plagiarizing, which is the act of taking credit for others work. But, there are many ethical and legal responsibilities to consider as a digital citizen. According to Ribble (2015), a digital citizen with an ethical core that does not abuse or misuse technology is one who fosters ethical learning. Teachers and students should understand how to become responsible and what that entails. Being educated is step one. Though confusing, copyright laws are important to know and follow. 

Many teachers are guilty of copying, editing, sharing, or exploiting without thinking twice about digital formalities. But, is this modeling ideal digital citizenship to our students? This neglects digital law, the responsibility of knowing and adhering to legal rights and restrictions governing technology explains in his book Digital Citizenship In Schools ( Ribble, 2015,p.42-44). Oversharing methods in education settings have revealed a need for learning copyright laws. "Sharing is caring", a phrase utilized to validate access to media has caused lapse of judgement which leads to copyright infringement. As I reflected on my copy/paste behaviors, I realized I operated as such too. But, copyright material should not be avoided in educational setting. The guidelines should be embraced and understand. Because copyrighted material can be utilized to enhance the learning experience for students, conscious effort should be made to legally do such. 

Having access to the entire world of creative works effectively promotes creative thinking and professionalism adding value to the learning environment. Congress agrees that copyrighted elements and material add value to lesson and learning environment according to Section 107 through 118 of copyright law. Fair use was developed into copyright law with respect to various creative or intellectual works such as research, scholar work, criticism and news reporting. Engaging students with various creative works have revealed knowledge, inquiry, creation, reflection and passion that contributes to closing academic achievement gaps. It has the ability to show or display varies skills to be acquired professionally as well. Being able to engage in such environment contributes to students knowing how to interact ethically with the world Bailey (2013) believes.  Just as copyrighted material empowers teachers to present and deliver effective lessons it also empowers the 21st century student. Now is the time for educators to embrace the possibilities of adding copyright elements to a lesson. The benefits are empowering for the educator and the student's future career. Teachers are learning how to teach, and students are learning how to learn. Utilizing copyrighted elements and material does not have to be intimidating. Creative commons and the public domain will ease the apprehension when using copyrighted material. These specific resources ae either freely available or will allow use with specific guidelines. The key is to add bit by bit until one feels empowered and safe in how to use copyright material.

Copyrights have exemptions that enable use and adaptions. The public domain, fair use, creative commons, library and TeachAct can empower usage. Learning the license will allow material and resources to be utilized without legal or ethical violation. Everything online should be assumed copyrighted. Considering the 4 factors when determining if elements should be used: purpose, nature, amount, effect on market.  

I would suggest utilizing a copyright flow chart or check list as an accountability tool. Websites such as https://www.copyright.gov/, https://copyright.byu.edu/copyright-tutorial, and https://www.tru.ca/ipo/clearing/copyflow.html can provide all educators with the tool that is right for them to make a sound decision. This behavior helps teachers obey the copyright law and decrease violations as suggested by Ribbe (2015)