Legal+and+Ethical+Issues

Legal and Ethical Issues


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 Copyright law protects intellectual property from theft –plagiarism - and gives the author complete control over created works for a period of time. Anything you create is automatically copyrighted to you. Works that are copyright free are works taken from Public Domain – creations whose copyright has expired, or from Creative Commons – works that have been created to be shared with the public.  Mark Twain once said, “One thing is impossible for God: To find any sense in any copyright law on the planet.” The Internet has taken copyright law to a new, higher level. It is a huge threat to copyright, since it so easy now to view, and copy so many various works which can be accessed through the World Wide Web.  Following are some key issues facing copyright law today, and some resources to search for help.
 * What is Copyright? **

 Copyright laws guarantee that works created by an individual are protected from being copied, or defamed in any way. The 1976 Copyright Act gives the creator exclusive rights to the use of their original piece of work. The Copyright Act is explained in detail in the following document from the United States Copyright Office.  www.**copyright**.gov/circs/circ1.pdf
 * Copyright and Copyleft **

 Giving credit, or attribution to the creator of a work used is necessary. Following are some sites that will guide you through the  how -to's of citing works.  http://librarianbyday.net/2009/09/how-to-attribute-a-creative-commons-photo-from-flickr/

 There are two types of copyright free works. Creative Commons are items that the creator has given permission to be used with little or no restrictions, and images that have exceeded the time period of copyright protection, which is generally 70 years after the creator's death. There are many Internet sites that provide access to items that are free to use. Some are listed below:  **Free audio clips**

 http://ccmixter.org/  **Free images** - a lengthy list can be found here.  http://copyrightfriendly.wikispaces.com/

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 80%;">**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 154%;">Social Networking ** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Social networking is a way for people to stay connected with family and friends. Social networking should not be confused with educational networking. Social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Xanga, and Bolt are controversial in the educational setting. Teachers becoming "friends" with students can lead to further problems. In general, it's never a good idea to include students in your social network. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> Further discussion and some suggested guidelines can be found on Doug Johnson's Blue Skunk blog: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/blue-skunk-blog/2009/3/12/dont-confuse-social-networking-with-educational-networking.html <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> http://doug-johnson.squarespace.com/blue-skunk-blog/2009/8/20/networking-guidelines-revised.html

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 121%;">**YouTube at School** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;"> While there are a generous amount of useful, educational videos that could certainly be used in the classroom, there are just as many or more that are not appropriate for school use. Most schools block YouTube. Below is a link to a resource that allows teachers to download videos that could enhance their instruction to then be used in the classroom. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;"> http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2008/09/cant-use-youtube-try-this.html <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;"> Alternatives to YouTube: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;"> http://www.watchknow.org/ <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;"> http://www.teachertube.com/

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> An AUP - Acceptable Use Policy is an agreement that students must sign in order to free the school district from liability in the instance of inappropriate use of the Internet. An AUP details appropriate use and creates a set of consequences if a student or faculty member breaks the agreement. Below is an article from Education World with valuable information on creating an AUP: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr093.shtml <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> View the Acceptable Use Policy for the North Little Rock School District here: **File Not Found**
 * <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Acceptable Use Policies **

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;"> Internet Safety <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> As children become more involved with the Internet - becoming members of social networking sites, playing collaborative games, and entering chat rooms - it is vital that safe Internet use be taught and to be aware of the sites children are visiting. A new federal mandate requires all schools to teach Internet safety in order to receive E Rate funding. Below are some sources with information helpful in setting up an Internet Safety program at your school. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/net-cetera.aspx <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> [] <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> https://www.cia.gov/kids-page/parents-teachers/internet-safety.html