Copyright Issues

  Main Page

  Readings

  Activity 1

  Activity 2

  Activity 3

  Activity 4

  Activity 5

  Quiz

  Feedback

  Teacher's Guide

• Aim
• Rationale
• Subject Matter
• Audience
• Materials Needed and Prerequisites
• Instructional Plan
• Self Assessment
• Evaluation of the Module

Aim
The aim of this module is to introduce participants in the Web Institute for Teachers to the "dos" and "donts" of copyright law, so that they can make informed decisions regarding the legal use of previously-published materials in developing curriculum webs.



Rationale
During the creation and planning of web-based curriculum modules, it is very tempting -- and very easy -- to incorporate work created by others. (After all, why reinvent the wheel?) Much of the existing work available on the is covered by copyright; it is important that teachers who wish to use this work be informed as to copyright issues involved.



Subject Matter
This copyright module includes information on the basics of copyright law, including several links to web pages of relevant material. It also contains several off-line group activities to encourage discussion and further exploration of the material. There is an online multiple-choice quiz with feedback at the end of the module.



Audience
This module on copyright issues is designed for all participants, regardless of past experience with publishing. Participants with more background in the subject will be able to bring a voice of experience to discussion groups.



Materials Needed and Prerequsites
Participants will need a computer connected to the Internet in order to access additional information through the links provided in this module. If one is not available, printouts of the module information would suffice for a limited introduction to copyright.

There are no prerequsites for this module.



Instructional Plan
In this module, participants will first read through the introductory materials, either alone or in small groups. Links are provided to additional articles on copyright issues. It is highly recommended that everyone read Templeton's 10 Myths about Copyright.

For the activities, participants should form small discussion groups (three to four individuals). Each activity sets up a scenario in which there are acts of questionable copyright violation, which participants are asked to discuss. The mentor should help guide the discussion by pointing to relevant articles for further research, and by posing questions.



Self-Assessment
Participants can assess their knowledge of the material presented in this module through an online quiz which provides feedback for each question.



Evaluation of the Module
Participants should be encouraged the complete this evaluation form, which provides feedback to the WIT mentors as to the effectiveness of this module.