RE: Why is Copyright so Hard????

Marsona J’s Blog:

Post: MAC Week 1 Post - Why is Copyright so Hard????

Since we are reading and discussing copyright, I thought this was the perfect time to get feedback on an ongoing problem with students today. I teach 8th grade Computer Literacy and I think I really have some really great students. I teach a three week unit on Copyright where we discuss what is copyright, what can and cannot be copy-written, and fair use guidelines. Our students have a lot expected of them and are required to complete Science and History Fair projects where they must do research. The problem is when doing their research, they tend to just copy just what they see instead of rephrasing and/or siting their sources.

This really becomes a problem when they attempt to compete in district and state fairs and are often disqualified because of copyright issues. Some say they are too young to really understand that using someone else's material and claiming it as their own is not really a big problem. But they tend to understand everything else.

Please feel free to comment on this issue your thoughts and or solutions.
Thanks

June 2, 2011 12:17 PM John Carter said...

Perhaps for the purpose of getting them in the habit of asking for permission, make the letter of request for usage part of the assignment guidelines. (make it part of the grade points)

Even if they are using something with "fair use" make them write it out anyway. They need not know what is and is not fair use all the time because it is more important for them to get in the habit of legally requesting use of others work. (especially if they are seriously considering a creating vocation)
JC111