ISSUES AND ETHICSErika Gentry

EDUC 318

March 3, 2008

WHAT IS COPYRIGHT? Copyright refers to the author's (creators of all sorts such as

writers, photographers, artists, film producers, composers, and programmers) exclusive right to reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies, and publicly perform and display their works. These rights may be transferred or assigned in whole or in part in writing by the author. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, work created by an employee is usually owned by the employer. The U.S. Copyright Act gets its authority from Article 1, Section 8, cl. 8 of the U.S. Constitution (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/start/cpyrt/index.html).

WHAT IS FAIR USE? Fair use is an exception to the exclusive protection of

copyright under American law. It permits certain limited uses without permission from the author or owner. Depending on the circumstances, copying may be considered "fair" for the purpose of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship or research (http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/start/cpyrt/index.html).

THE FAIR USE TEST

To determine whether a specific use under one of these categories is "fair," courts are required to consider the following factors: the purpose and character of the use, including

whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;

the nature of the copyrighted work; the amount and substantiality of the portion used

in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole (is it long or short in length, that is, are you copying the entire work, as you might with an image, or just part as you might with a long novel); and

the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

HOW DOES FAIR USE APPLY TO THE CLASSROOM?

Always review the 4 steps of the “Fair Use Test” Resist the temptation to duplicate numerous

copies of information from the Internet

THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

Background Information: Federal funding policies such as the E-Rate program

and technological advances, the Internet can now be accessed in more than 98% of schools in the United States

However, one problem remains: most students tend to be more technologically advanced than their teachers.

Therefore, the full instructional benefits of the Internet are not being implemented in American classrooms.

Students ages 12-17 were surveyed and replied that they use the Internet as virtual textbooks and reference libraries, tutors and study shortcuts, study groups, guidance counselors, lockers, backpacks and notebooks.

WHO WILL PREVAIL?

HOW CAN WE CLOSE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE? Teachers must stay aware of the ever-changing

technological advances that can be used to enhance their lessons.

Implementing technology in the classroom can make students more interested in the subject matter

Teachers can use many forms of technology to enhance student learning and involvement

PowerPoint presentations YouTube viewings (when appropriate and

pertaining to subject matter) Digital storytelling Classroom web pages

THE GENDER GAP

In the past, girls have not been given the same opportunities as boys in the classroom where technology is concerned.

However, girls are just as apt as boys to be interested in and successful using technology.

WHAT’S A GIRL TO DO?

Researchers found that giving girls certain “spaces” helped maintain their successful use of technology.

Social space. Physical space. Cognitive space.

GIRLS CAN DO WELL WITH COMPUTERS TOO!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv3L8H_UF3E

SAFETY ONLINE It is common knowledge that the Internet can be a

dangerous tool if used improperly. Acceptable Use Policies (AUP) have been implemented

as “contracts” that outline how students can use technology, what they cannot do with it, and the consequences for violating the privacy.

Schools enforce these AUPs which include not using student names or pictures online.

Schools are also insisting that students and teachers both update class or school web pages with appropriate material as these pages are a reflection of the school and the district.

HOW TO STAY SAFE ONLINE

It is of utmost importance that administrators, teachers, and parents work together for the safety of the students while working online.

This is why teachers, parents, and students all must sight the AUP.

Security software and firewalls must also continue to be used to insure that this technology is being properly used.