The issue of copyright and ICT

The copyright and ICT topic is an important avenue to learn more about. Copyright refers to the law that regulates the use of someone’s intellectual property.  This includes the copying, distributing, altering and displaying of any copyrighted material. This can have an enormous impact on the subject of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) which deals with the access of Information through communication mediums.

Background and key considerations

As a Teacher the copyright laws can impact the resources you use in class as well as what your students can access.  Teachers need to be aware of the rules associated with Copyright in order to set the correct examples to students and keep the school protected legally.

Why is copyright an issue

Almost all works are protected by copyright. You must be certain that what you want to do with a work is permitted by the exceptions to copyright infringement within the Copyright Act, by a purchased licence, or by written authority from the copyright owner. There has been a lot of debate in the news recently about the replacement Copyright (Infringement File Sharing) Amendment Bill. This issue is important to Copyright and ICT because it incorporates the legislation surrounding the downloading and sharing of resources within ICT.  It also highlights the possible penalties associated with non-compliance of the legislation. The new bill "is bringing in new guidelines that outline how teachers can use copyright material properly and legally"(Eaton, 2008).  This Bill will impact on the sources and processes used in the classroom. 

Different opinions

On a personal level I agree with the catchphrase of Nina Paley that “copying is not theft” but on a professional level I think it is important to know the procedures and policies that are in place at your school and to make sure you adhere to them.  I believe this is important because as teachers we should set the right example to our students. Another reason to adhere to the policies and laws that are established is because you have a responsibility to your school and community.  Breaking these laws could result in fines or lose of resources for your school.

Affect on classroom

This issue has been considered from the point of view of a teacher as it could affect the day to day running of a classroom.  Especially those classrooms equipped with smart boards or internet access.  On a wider scale the students and community could be affected if procedures aren’t established or adhered to. 
Another important affect is the ability to communicate the message out to students because "teachers are our gateway to children" (Eaton 2008)

What can be done about copyright and ICT

Find out if your school has a copyright policy and make sure you adhere to it.

Purchase a copyright licence or find out what copyright licences your school has.

This is a useful link for available copyright licences and prices.
http://www.tki.org.nz/r/governance/copyright/copyright-licences_e.php

Implications for practice

To prevent putting your school at risk it is best to assume copyright applies to all material that can be copied. The absence of the © symbol or a copyright statement does not mean the work is not protected by copyright. (Neither does the fact that the material was found on the Internet.)
http://www.tki.org.nz/r/governance/copyright/principals-trustees/managing-copyright_e.php

Legal ramifications:

http://www.nzfact.co.nz/faqs.html

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2011/0011/latest/DLM2764327.html