Thing 6 - Copyright in the Digital Age

What have you been told that you may have just discovered is incorrect?

• I learned a great deal of new information from the Code of Best Practice in Fair Use for Media Literacy Education.  I think the myths or misconceptions at the end of the document were things I believed to be true, which many turned out to be inflated scare tactics.  I know that many educators, as well as myself, are afraid to share something in fear of breaching "copyright laws".  
• I also learned that the guidelines are flexible in order to meet the changing needs of media and instructional needs. 

What things had you believed about copyright that have now been challenged?

• As Educators we need to follow Fair Use guidelines when using the various Medias, but we should be using many more forms of media to help students to become critical thinkers, effective communicators, and active citizens.
• Educators need to be leaders in helping fellow colleagues and students establish proper practices in fair use.  We cannot live in fear of the "copyright police" which limited us in using proper media literacy for educational purposes.

What new things do you think you will incorporate into your teaching practice now that you know the reality versus some myths?

• First, I will share Fair Use information with colleagues and teachers that I work with from around the county.  I think that by following the fair use guidelines we as educators have many more opportunities to use technology and various types of media literacy in our instructional units to transform the original media to help our students develop critical skills.  I will also work to incorporate more media literacy tips and tools into the professional development we offer at Kent ISD.