It is uncommon for schools to be brought to court for copyright infringements or issues (Hirtle, Hudson, & Kenyon). Although this is true, educators and students need to be aware of the complex issues of plagiarism and copyright to provide the most effective learning environment. Teachers, students, and the community need to work together to provide information to protect students from using technology inappropriately. Infringing on copyright laws is not only unlawful but unethical. As a community we need to learn about the importance of copyright protection and how copyrights can be beneficial to protect original work and enhance learning.
Copyright laws and policies were enacted to encourage the progression of science, creativity, and distribution of ideas (Association of Research Libraries, 2012). To allow for this, owners must be protected. Providing this protection is a complicated issue. With technology rapidly changing, the protection of one's works is more relevant than ever. It is easier more than ever for others to copy and reproduce others works. As a community we need to come together to provide an environment for citizens to feel excited about creativity and not concerned that their work will be stolen. However, we need to be careful that the laws provide protection but not in a way that restricts citizens from wanting to share their work for fear of infringement. One license that has been beneficial in accomplishing this, is Creative Commons.
The creative common licenses are a way that citizens can share work without the restrictions that can be caused by copyright laws (Creative, Commons, 2008). Students no longer must depend on others for the freedom and creativity to share and use others work. Creative Commons and technology has provided an opportunity for students to use technology without paying additional costs or royalties and with minimal restrictions. (Morehouse, 2012). With this freedom, the future will not only provide connection to learners, but content will develop around a community. A space without boundaries where students can share original work regardless of location, language, or culture.
In addition, educators access to copyrighted materials through technology has greatly enhanced the classroom. Appropriately using fair use doctrine and creative commons licenses teachers can share, edit, and revamp teaching materials (Ohler, 2014). Teachers can easily share what they want to share and use images, documents, and learning materials from anywhere around the world. Creative commons have provided educators freedom to use and share without having to infringe on copyright laws (Creative Commons, 2008). Educators now have the tools needed in this new culture to create and connect. Educators have opportunities more than ever can provide their students with the most relative, creative, and applicable resources.
In conclusion, the internet has provided an incredible way for others to share their work with people around the world. Students and teachers can obtain boundaryless resources and connect beyond expectations. Plagiarism and copyright infringements may always be a possibility, but with knowledge of these actions we can educate ourselves on how to prevent these things from happening yet allowing opportunities to create and share original work.
References
Association of Research Libraries (2012). Code of Best practices in Fair Use for Academica and Research Libraries. Association Center for Social Media. Retrieved from https://luonline.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/pid-3043153-dt-content-rid- 30105223_1/courses/13585.201810/code-of-best-practices-fair-use%281%29.pdf
Creative Commons. (2008, July 30). A Shared Culture. Retrived from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DKm96Ftfko
Hirtle, P., Hudson, E., & Kenyon, A.(2009). Copyright and Cultural Institutions. Ithaca: Cornell University. Retrieved from https://ecommons.cornell.edu/bitstream/handle/1813/14142/Hirtle-Copyright_final_RGB_lowres-cover1.pdf? sequence=2
Ohler, J. (2014, January 8). Two camps when it comes to digital ethics. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=4vCMqPOm9A0
Morehouse, S. (2012, August 7). Explanation of the Creative Commons for Open Educational Resources. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlNM1Ak95oU
Additional Resources
Ted Talk about how copyright applies to political parties: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyf_0SMAsFA Copyright Explanation: https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/468150?journalCode=jls Attacks on Copyright: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/3-540-49380-8_16 Pentalties for File Sharing: http://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/tlr83&div=19&id=&page= Copyright Exceptions and Fair Use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_9O8J9skL0