Copyright
Did something change since I was in college? I remember professors handing out copied print outs from books for studying specific subjects - sometimes it would be identified where the information came from and sometimes not. At the college I went to there was a sign stating that if the copies were used for educational purposes - in regards of study - it was free to be used. Though, it was a long time ago and I may be remembering wrong.
Isn't this the same if we post stuff within a discussion? Though, I'm in a habit of showing where my information comes from in case a student is curious to learn about it more.
Tonya,
I love how you use "respectful" as this is missing so much in our society.
Shelly Crider
I agree, I too think its a good idea to show students how to navigate the internet for specific information.
I also find it very respectful and useful to reference the source because it provides a level of validity for situations in which I'm not viewed as an expert on a topic.
Denise,
Indeed we should! We must model what we want from students.
Shelly Crider
I find that my student like referenced links that they can click and gain information. We need to be aware of what we are giving our student to use for resources. I feel that we should direct them to creditable sources in order to set the example.
Ligia,
Yes, we need to give credit where credit is deserved!
Shelly Crider
The original intent was to protect the rights of the person who originally created a work. As long as it was restricted to things like music, books, and movies; with some limitations I agree with that.
Things have indeed changed. Instructors are now far more cognizant of copyright laws than they ever were when you and I were going to school as undergraduates. The question that I have for most people is how long should copyright laws be in effect?
"Twas the best of times, twas the worst of times ...". Do you know who wrote these words? It was Charles Dickens and they are the opening lines to his book entitled: "Great Expectations." Should Dickens still own his own copyrights or are his works there for anyone to pilfer? What about books like: "Uncle Tom's Cabin"? Are people now free to alter the words written down by Harriet Beecher Stowe just because they don't like her use of language?
I would really like to know what people think.
I was involved with developing a online course, and there was no problem with gaining acesss to their information once we contacted them with our intent. Which was nice.
Sean, I do the same, when using a credible internet source. I like to show students how to navigate the internet for specific information, and understand citation, since we are using someone else thoughts.
Jeanean,
I do the same. By using the authors material, it offers the students guidelines on the subject material. However since we are the "subject" experts, we should enhance the material with our own knowledge, experience and expertise.
Remember we don't allow plagiarism with our students, so we should set the same requirements to demonstrate that!
Sean,
I remember receiving materials from my instructors that were copies from textbooks as part of their course materials. It is my understanding that it was a violation then and remains the same now. Only in 1 instance while in college did a professor include a copy of a signed release form allowing him to copy the work for educational purposes.
While I do not copy materials for my courses I do use supplemental websites but always cite appropriately.
Jeanean
Sean-
I work at a media based school where we deal with the creation of audio and video projects. As a result, we often use copyrighted material as examples in class.
The rules of copyright are confusing mostly because the case law is often up for review. In general, the idea that material can be used for educational purposes is supported, but even that has limits. For example; in general, only about 30 seconds of copyrighted material can be used under "fair use" terms. Additionally, the copyright holder (Such as a movie studio, production company, or even an individual writer or performer) may retain the right to determine who can and can't use their material.
If you are using copyrighted material, you can contact the copyright holder directly and see if they have cleared the material specifically for educational use.
Even if they haven't, they MAY be able to allow you to use material on a case by case basis.
The bottom line is that use of copyrighted material is risky because it's hard to know what's allowed and what isn't, because the rules can change.
Yes, it has changed. However, if you cite the reference, it will be okay though.
Nashid,
Most book vendors will include the right for instructors to enhance their class with their material.
Shelly Crider
I wondered about this issue. There seems to be a paradox. Students pay for an education. When an instructor pulls from an internet source -- he or she is enhancing the educational product. Is this simply ironic or should it be of concern?
I didn't mean a whole book but I remember teachers handing out chapter or less from a book.
Sean,
It has changed somewhat. You can use resources from varioius sources, but for instance, you cannot copy a whole book!
Shelly Crider
