Ethical Use of Digital Media

ETHICAL CLASSROOM USE OF DIGITAL MEDIA

After researching and investigating ethical uses of digital media based on copyrights, permission and laws I have a new perspective on digital media use in the classroom. I never realized how extremely careful teachers have to be when using materials of any kind that are not their originals. I also realized how many teachers do not use good ethical use of digital media and according to the readings, they are constantly breaking the rules. This taught me how to incorporate it throughout classroom curriculum and stay out of trouble when using it!

RESPECT FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Everyone's creativity and hard work should be respected and not stolen.  This applies to works of all creators, even the students in your classroom.Once something is made public, it is now published and that person who created it has ownership. However, digital media is often reproduced and this is not only ethically wrong but also wrong by law. We must have respect for the work and personal expression of others in digital environments. 

DIFFERENT DIGITAL MATERIALS ETHICS

VIDEOS/ GAMES/ PICTURES

When using videos in the classroom teachers should get permission or licenses. Do not show full length feature films in the classroom because it is considered a public viewing. In order to show a full length entertainment movie a teacher needs permission from copyright owner. Computer games can not be copied and distributed without permission from company. Pictures with copyrights or that are not offered free may not be taken and put into lessons.

 

AVOIDING COPYRIGHT VIOLATIONS

How to ensure copyright is not violated in your classroom by students & teachers!

Be the example for your students! When presenting power points, videos or any other form of media make sure you go over the cited sources at the beginning or the end. This will show students what you expect them to do by being an example for them to follow.There are so many times where teachers think citing pictures and resources are not necessary but they are! Teachers need to encourage students to be honest and respectful by citing someone's written work or pictures. Make sure you teach lessons on academic honesty and proper ways to cite information. Ways to check student academic honesty is through programs that check originality such as www.turnitin.com.

Violations of authorial integrity

Manipulation

Plagiarism

Unauthorized access

Copyright violations 

As teachers we should cite what is borrowed and share what is ours!

Resources

http://www.saramatthews.com/copyright_bottom.shtm

http://www.clipartpal.com/clipart_pd/education/teacher_12106.html

http://www.troyinsurancegroup.com/how-lenders-commonly-violate-state-insurance-law

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://springdale.hellstern.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/917075/Image/Cllipart/teacher_clipart_3.gif&imgrefurl=http:

Digital Media in the Classroom

What is the proper way to use Digital Media in the classroom?

Every classroom should be rich of digital media in order for a teacher to have unlimited assess to technology. It is important for a teacher to incorporate digital media every chance they can because it helps students build meaningful connections to what they are learning. Digital media comes in a variety of ways: computer games, internet activities, movies, video clips, and even e books. Students learn better when they have hands on experiences, aswell as meaningful visual aids to help enhance learning. 

However, there are proper ways to use digital media in a classroom. Do not think that just because your students are young your digital media does not have to be cited. If it does no belong to you, it belongs to someone else. Students will go home and share the videos, movies, powerpoints and games used in the classroom. Not to mention, never use pictures that are copyrighted or not available for free. Teachers can get into alot of problems legally If they do not use media correctly and carefully. Therefore, while digital media is an outstanding tool to use throughout the curriculum, it must be used appropriately.

Pictures Resources

http://www.hitechreview.com/audio/lightspeed-offers-the-total-classroom-audio-solution-for-multimedia-sound/9598/

http://transcultural.wordpress.com/2008/04/28/spelling-bee-anyone/

STAYING INFORMED

COMMUNICATING WITH PARENTS

In education we often focus on the student-teacher aspect and forget about the important role of the parents. Parental involvement plays a huge factor on a child's learning.  By keeping the communication between parent and teacher open you will see positive results in parent respect and student performance.


PARENT INVOLVEMENT
The number one thing we hear teachers complain about is lack of parent involvement. Sometimes the reason for this may be due to the parents busy schedule or God forbid, lack of caring. However, more times then none a parent's lack of involvement is due to lack of knowledge. A parent simply doesn't know how to get involved with their child's education. There are many parents out there dealing with hectic schedules, but with organized communication they can say informed and active in their child's education.
 

Classroom Ideas

1. Agenda Daily Signature
2. Monthly News Letter/Emails
3. Classroom Website 

COMMUNICATING WITH STUDENTS

In the classroom students are the main priority, their schooling is the whole point. If you aren't communicating with your students then they are not learning anything! Ways of best communication involve direct instruction, visual aids, established rules and clear explanations. During the day it is easy keep the communication between teacher and student by encouraging questions, discussions and critical thinking. Same goes for communication between two students. It is important to encourage outside communication between teachers and other classmates. Using technology is a great way to do this because it allows students to contact the teacher or other classmates about homework, activities and anything else that comes up.

Ways to stay Connected

1. Blackboard discussion boards
2. Calendar assignments and dates
3. Student Email and phone number list

Websites to Help Parents & Students
http://school.familyeducation.com/
http://www.education.com/ 
http://www.palmbeachschools.org/learning_tools/4kids/index.asp

MONITORING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION

It's graduation day. You're given teacher certification. You went through four years of learning everything you needed to know to prepare you to become a teacher. Now what? Does that mean that your good for life and never have to learn again? NO! New teaching styles, studies and research is coming out everyday! In order to be the best teachers we can be we need to keep networking. We can do this by staying up to date on new studies and trying new things inside the classroom. Professional development involves staying current in your content area and teacher organizations.

Tips To The Trade 

1.  Attend workshops
2. Blog with teachers across the world
3. Sign up for monthly newsletters

 




Good communication is the true key to teaching.
These are just some ways to STAY INFORMED!

Happy Blogging! (:

 -Julie Mahoney