While working in the schools the last few years, there has been a powerful beam of light focusing on the use of copyrighted material in the classroom. There are old workbooks floating around and curriculum books from the dollar store. Teachers are always looking for that perfect piece that will compliment their lesson. But is it copyrighted?
As a student, as I become more tech savvy and try to enhance assignments with information, pictures and video, I am aware that most of the material I use is copyrighted. Can I use it? What are my obligations if I do? Answers tend to be vague and uncertain or so complicated they are difficult to discern, no less follow.
In the college setting, the APA and MLA guides give a framework for giving credit for written work. Though still somewhat nebulus, it does provide for a decent understanding of how to avoid plaguarism. However, when it comes to photos/images and videos, I was anxious concerning how to avoid copyright infringement, spending hours trying to read copyright information on various sharing sites such as Google Images.
Several articles we read last week, An Educator's Guide to Copyrighting and Fair Use and Finally~Copyright Clarity has Arrived. have both been bookmarked as a basic tool in my electronic toolbox. They provide the most clear, concise information in regard to the use of copyrighted material that I have seen to date.
