-"Schools in the 21st Century must contend with a variety of challenges stemming from the use of modern technologies in the classroom environment. This article focuses on two of the most prevalent issues faced by school administrators and teachers today–that of copyright compliance and protecting students from inappropriate web content."
Sometimes I get this feeling that schools are absolutely oblivious to copyright issues. Yes we have all been educated about copyright infringement. Do you actually know anyone who has been brought to court for this? No, I do not. It begins with educating adults (staff) and then students. If YOU as an educator cannot understand and follow copyright issues, how can your students?
The article talks about more stringent content policies, such as blocking websites and not allowing teachers and students access to content. I'm not sure I completely agree with that approach. Wouldn't it make sense to take the time to properly educate the staff and students not taking away content. This always comes up - the content itself is not bad, but one must understand how to use the content.
The idea of blocking things to keep students safe is an idea that I have still yet to fully grasp. It seems to me that you are correct in your thinking about copyright issues in the classroom. These issues are the responsibility of the teacher and it is their obligation to model the correct habits and acceptable uses in the community for that technology. The onus is on the teacher and the staff that support them to make sure that they don't reject or ignore a technology or concept and to educate themselves and in turn educate their students and the community.
ReplyDeleteI don't know anyone who has gotten in trouble for copyright issues but I have seen a lot of copying happening. Even though all teachers know the laws, it seems instead of recreating the wheel, some teachers just feel it is easier and quicker to copy others' work. Maybe in these times when there is so much out there and it's all so easy to access, some forget they aren't allowed to just "take" it.
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