Copyright? Some Tips for Educators.

So let me be honest, for a while, I knew very, very little about how copyright laws worked. Scale of 1-5, easily at a 1. So lets look at 3 key areas that are often violated by educators. These can be helpful in making sure you are following Copyright guidelines.

1. Distance Learning Copyright Laws
2. Print Media Copyright Laws
3. Seeking Permission to Use Copyrighted Materials



Distance Learning 



With the growth of distance learning education, it is becoming increasingly important to be aware of the copyright laws that are specific to this area. The four basic criteria of Fair Use typically apply. Those criteria are: 1)purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes, 2) nature of copyrighted work, 3) amount an sustainability of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole, and 4) the effect of the use on the potential market for value of the copyrighted work. While the courts make a definite decision, educators have a lot of autonomy when it comes to material usage.

There are some specific criteria that applies to distance learning that educators should be aware of.

1) Off-air recordings for nonprofit educational institutions should be deleted after 45 days
2) Off-air recordings cannot be altered
3) Broadcasting of copyrighted materials are allowed if:
    a) broadcast is part of a systematic, ongoing instructional activity
    b) is directly related and of material assistance to the teaching of content
    c) transmission is received in classrooms only, or in similar settings normally devoted to teaching
    d) broadcast is for enrolled students and conducted by a recognized educational institution

With class recordings becoming more prominent, educators must make sure to get the proper approval. If not, this is copyright infringement. Along with not getting prior approvals, not deleting recordings after 45 days is probably the most common oversight that educators make.

Print Media




Teachers may make 1 copy of print materials (book chapters, articles, essay, ect) for educational usage. Fair use for multiple copies in this context is defined by: 1 illustration, 250 words, 2 lines from a poem. Teachers may also not print more copies than students. The teacher must also initiate the copying, it cannot be forced or required upon them. The materials may also not be copied in lieu of purchasing original copies.

I think many educators are not aware of the copy thresholds when it comes to violating copyright laws. Becoming aware of these can not only stop teachers from violating, but also assist them with lesson planning and assignments. By knowing the amount of content and materials they can use, teachers can become more effective facilitators in their classrooms.

Being aware of copyright laws are important for educators. By following the guidelines, they can become more efficient and effective instructors.

Reference

Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J.B. (2015). Teaching and learning with technology (5 th ed.). Boston: Pearson

Computers...My Life Thanks You!

In 2016, computers are a part of our everyday lives. Computer technology continues to grow rapidly worldwide. Communication, health care and education are 3 important areas that computer technology continue to evolve and help shape our lives. There are 3 key areas of my life that computers have made a positive impact: work, social, and family. Let me share with you some of the ways computers have enhanced my life.

1. Work Life

 

Work is a place I spend a lot of my time. Computer technology allows me to be much more productive and creative. I could not imagine doing my job without what we now consider some of the simplest computer programs and software. The Microsoft Office Suite, Email, Google Suite, Calendars, Blackboard, and Video Conference software. These tools all play a key role in how I operate on the job. Working in higher education requires a lot of communicating and collaborating with colleagues across campus. Computers allow me to quickly and efficiently communicate via email with a colleague, send them a calendar invite, and meet via video conference if need be. When scheduling travel for work, computers allow me to quickly book my flight, hotel, and rental car. That is much more efficient than having to call an agent, wait on hold, then work with them to schedule accommodations that fit my schedule. Computers also allow me to connect and contact with thousands of potential students, families, educational and community partners, all at a much faster and inexpensive way than I could without them.  My work life without computers would be totally different, and not in a positive way. 

2. Social Life

 

As an adult, with responsibilities such as family, work, trying to stay in shape, while still trying to find time to eat and sleep, computers play a major role in maintaining a social life. Applications and platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Skype, Google Hangouts and blogs allow you to not only keep in contact with friends, but also interact with people worldwide. Twitter is a forum where one can socially interact with a variety of people on subject both serious and fun. You can share opinions, learn new things, keep up to date with current events, and even network. With computers, using these sites can also allow you to meet new people and foster new friendships. Computers definitely have a major effect on my social life. Not only have I formed new relationships, but have also been able to maintain lifelong ones due to computer innovations. 

3. Family Life

Having family members spread throughout the United States, including other cities in North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Maryland, my family life would be completely different without the help of computers. With family so spread out, it is very hard to keep up with, and especially see everyone in the family. Computers allow us to keep in contact and share our lives with one another. Programs such as Skype allow me to video chat with family members. My grandmother lives in Florida, I have not been to visit in at least a year, but my aunt and I set dates for her to take her laptop over so I can talk with my grandmother via Skype. At first, my grandmother could not stand using it of course, but now that she's comfortable with what she calls "the video thing", she looks forward to our Skype dates as much as I do. Facebook is another major way that make my family life with computer access so much better than if it was not available. My family has created a Facebook group. This is a place that we can all communicate and share pictures of family that we do not get to see often. We also use our Facebook group plan family gatherings and reunions. Without computers, keeping in touch with loved ones would be a much more difficult task. 

Life without computers would be vastly different in many aspects of life, work life, social life, and family life are just 3 areas. Computers allow us to communicate faster and easier than alternative methods such as by telephone or mail. They allow for more innovative and efficient workflow, open new avenues to socialize, and help families keep in contact from miles away. Computers, I would like to thank you, for making such a difference in my life!

Technology in Higher Education

Technology has become a permanent tool in the world of higher education. Students, faculty, and staff members utilize technology in various ways to complete a multitude of tasks. Gone are the days of handwritten assignments and notes, Technology has changed the preferred learning styles in education. Google, Facebook, and Twitter are some of the more common methods being used, not just for social engagement, but also in education.

Access to the internet and a computer are now the minimum technology requirements a college student must meet. Laptops and USB drive's are now found in almost every students book bag. With the increase of access to online "cloud" storage and eBooks, students and professors are now able to carry lighter bags to class.

Fully online and hybrid online classes are also increasing. Tools, such as Blackboard, provide access to facilitate an online learning environment. Assignments, subject content, email, discussions, and grades can be accessed via computer or phone.

There are so many ways that technology is integrated into the world of higher education. Lets look at a few of the technology tools used in higher education today.

1) Cell Phones



Phones are a big part of our everyday life. They allow us to stay instantly connected to email and assignments, for students and professors to communicate, and allow you to receive information on campus emergencies, happenings, and news stories.

2) PowerPoint



What would college be without PowerPoint? One of the most popular and effective ways both student and faculty use to present information.

3) Google Suite




Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive, and other components of the Google Suite have continued to increase is popularity and usage. With the ability to create, store, and share content in one place, the Google Suite is an effective set of tools.

4) Blogs



Blogs are way for students and faculty to share their voice in a creative way. Blogs provide a means to stay up-to-date with areas of study. Comments sections allow for feedback and additional thoughts and ideas to be generated

5) Distance Learning




With the demand for alternative learning options, distance learning has become very popular. Through online discussion boards, video conferencing, and online lectures, distance learning will continue to evolve and have a presence in higher education.


Feel free to share some of your favorite, or least favorite types of technology devices or experiences you have experienced through higher education!