Copyrights! (I stole this title.)

My school does not have an official copyright policy. Just because we do not have a policy does not mean that we do not follow copyright guidelines. (Copyright violations are a legal issue and not every legal issue is addressed in specific school rules. I think that copyright guidelines are implied in two ways in my school: 1. Student acceptable use policy, and 2. Teacher’s code of ethics. Students are held to an acceptable use policy which includes the prohibition of unethical behavior. Copyright violations would be an unethical behavior. Teachers are held to a teacher’s code of ethics which requires teachers perform duties in accordance with local, state, and federal rules and laws. Both of these seem to remove blame from the district and place it back on the offending individuals. In a blog like this I am hesitant to make concrete remarks about the use of copyrighted materials in my school. I do not wish to make sweeping statements about this subject in a public forum. Does my district follow copyright laws? My district works within the confines of the law at all times. I cannot, and will not, speak for individual teachers. I like to have vague rules and guidelines for students regarding behavior. All situations involving students are different and should be treated as such. Copyright, however, is a specific law and should be dealt with in district policies. I also think that having a policy on copyright/digital copyright is not enough. This is something that needs to be taught too. I think that copyright laws are an essential tool in American government. They are there to protect artists, visionaries, and entrepreneurs. Because of this, I think there is a way to connect its importance to all students. Music students can relate to the struggle of Prince, who for years fought for the protection of his music. And those students with goals to make money—owning their own business or creating and innovating industries will be interested to learn about the struggles between Apple and Samsung. Copyright violation can be a teachable moment for students.