Technology+Report

As technology advances, copyright laws have to be constantly updated and changed. Many of the Web 2.0 tools that can be used in the classroom now, require that teachers know about this issue and are able to teach their students about it. Teachers and administrators must be up-to-date on what is legal and what is not. Davidson (2005) lists the following Five steps to avoiding Copyright Problems 1. Create and implement a technology policy that includes a code of ethics and set of procedures. 2. Review the entire policy with your educational community: students, teachers and parents. 3. Appoint a technology manager to conduct audits and maintain a log of licenses and registration materials. 4. Teach ethical and legal behavior for technology use. 5. Thank employees and students for supporting these steps. Administrators and educators must both know what they can and can not do as far as copyright and intellectual property. They not only need to be aware of the laws, they also need to be aware that they are an example to students and colleagues. Everyone should speak up if they see something that is not legal. How does copyright apply to technology? With educators, it differs. Many educators know and follow the rules for printed material, but do not know or follow rules for technology. For example, they may use a single licensed piece of software on multiple computers or on a network. Bruwelheide (1995) states, In consideration of technology copyright protection, we should ask ourselves the following three questions: 1. Would I perform this use with print media in this setting? 2. Am I doing something to prevent purchase, lease or licensing? 3. Do I hope that I will not get caught? If an educator answers yes to any of these questions, the use of the technology is probably questionable. References Davidson, H., Copyright Primer for Administrators, Technology & Learning; June 2005; 25, 11; Research Library pg S2   Bruwelheide, Janis. (1995). //The Copyright Primer for Librarians and Educators//. Chicago: American Library Association as found on [] Stroder, R., What Every School Should Know About Intellectual Property, The Education Digest; Feb 2006; 71, 6; Research Library, p.35