Copyright

Some rights reserved by liako

This month we have been learning about copyright, public domain, fair use, and creative commons. This is an important topic as our learners begin to create and share digital files. We want our kiddos making good choices as they become part of the global community via the internet. 

Students were empowered to learn their intellectual works fall under copyright protection as soon as they are created. That means others have to ask permission before using them. Works are protected automatically with or without the copyright symbol ©. In other words, if you would like to use an image from a website and you don't know if the image is copyrighted, assume that it is. All works (manuscripts, images, audio, and video) are copyright protected unless otherwise noted. Posting something online doesn't automatically put it in the public domain.



We also discussed the difference between owning a copy and owning the copyright. Simply purchasing a copy does not give the right to make and distribute copies of someone else's intellectual property .... especially if it causes monetary loss. For example, if I purchased a music cd, copied it and gave it to my friend; I have infringed on the artist's copyright. That artist would have suffered monetary loss because I gave the work away for free.

I know ... what's the big deal? What are the chances you'll get caught? Well, your right, the copyright police probably aren't going to catch you. However, we are teaching our children to make safe and ethical choices to guide them through life. Our kids watch us and we are a witness and example to them. We would hate it if our children had to pay consequences for copying poor behavior choices. And, yes, people do get caught.

So, if you see something you want to use, ask permission. It's the right thing to do.

Here are a few helpful websites about copyright:
Copyright Kids 
Cyberbee Copyright