What Have I Learned this Quarter?

       During my time in TIE 300, I learned about the TPACK framework and the importance of effectively incorporating technology into the classroom learning environment. Before my time in this class, I had not put much thought into how I would use technology in my own classroom. However, with projects such as the VoiceThread TPACK presentation, I was able to gain some valuable ideas regarding how to incorporate technology into a lesson plan. The TPACK VoiceThread presentation required that the class develop simple lesson plans that would include the use of technology, such as iPads or websites during classroom instruction.

       This class also taught me the similarities and differences between Microsoft Word and Google Docs. I had never used Google Docs prior to this class, or Google Drive, so I was impressed when I discovered how convenient it is to keep my files saved on Google Drive. I no longer have to worry about relying solely on a flash drive. This class also taught me how to create my own website using Google sites and exposed me to websites I could use to create my own blogs. I know that as a teacher, I could incorporate blogging into the classroom learning environment.

       I had also been interested in creating my own YouTube video prior to this class, so I was intrigued to learn that one of our assignments involved creating a video about an important person in the history of computing. My excitement decreased when I realized that it was a lot harder for me to use Movie Maker than I had originally thought it would be. However, it was quite the learning experience and I am now able to say that I understand how to post videos on YouTube.

       Overall, this class opened up my eyes to the importance of technology. There are continuous advances in technology, so it is imperative for novice and even veteran teachers to keep their knowledge of technology up to date. I've learned that technology is and always will be a huge part of students' everyday lives.

How Does Copyright Law Affect Your Use of Technology in the Classroom?

    It is imperative for teachers to be aware of copyright laws that protect the authors’ original works. Teachers also need to educate their students about the possibilities and consequences of plagiarism. According to the article titled “What Faculty Need to Know about Copyright for Teaching,” copyright laws protect literary works, dramatic works, musical works, motion pictures and other audiovisual works among others. In general, copyright laws affect what teachers can and cannot use in the classroom. Copyright laws affect what printed material, music, images and computer software teachers can use in their classroom. If students use outside works for a classroom project, for example, they must be able to provide a reference page where they cite their sources.

       However, copyright does have an exception to the rule that one must obtain permission from the copyright owner if the work is being used for educational purposes. For example, many educators hand out copies of worksheets or play videos in their classrooms without asking the original authors for permission. A few examples of works that can be used in the classroom without permission include works for which the copyright has expired, facts, articles in journals that allow non-profit educational use without permission and works that are covered by a license and or contract that allows classroom use.

       Overall, copyright laws affect what materials and technologies teachers can use in the classroom learning environment. It is important for teachers to be cautious and certain that the learning materials or sources they are using in their classrooms do not go against copyright laws. Teachers must also educate their students about the importance of copyright laws and remind them that they must include a reference page if they are using outside sources for their classroom projects or assignments.

https://www.american.edu/library/documents/upload/Copyright_for_Teaching.pdf 

http://theteachingbank.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-do-copyright-laws-affect-you-as.html 

https://wiki.uiowa.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=42017025