Posted by Larry Mitchell on Feb 18, 2016; 8:46pm
URL: https://nabble.aealearningonline.org/POST-4-Copyright-tp535p3609.html

I, like most educators, have probably been over cautious when it comes to copyright items, not only for my sake, but for the sake of being a good example to the students.  The phrase, "Better safe than sorry" has been my golden rule.  Consequently, I probably have not used some very good references because of fear of breaching copyright laws.

The module on copyrights has been very informative and enlightening.  I was surprised that copyright applies to written work as soon as it is written, even without being copyrighted.  The Fair Use Act was very enlightening.  It will allow me a little more freedom and confidence in the material that I use in the classroom.  I will probably not emphasize this to the middle school students, but will be a little more freer sharing that information with the high school students that I teach.

I found the information on Creative Commons a great review on earlier studies that I have had.  I had forgotten what I had learned earlier, and to have this presented in this module reminded me the freedom of it's use.  I know I have used this principle before, but I will certainly more confident in using it in the future.

In regards to my approach with classroom materials, I do not think it will affect me too much since I am a substitute teacher and most often the permanent teacher has generally prepared a lesson plan and material for me.  I will certainly encourage my students to use the AEA ONLINE RESOURCE  site whenever they can. It is a great source of material that has already passed the copyright test and can be used with a great deal of confidence that they will not be infringing on copyright laws.