Module 4 of ETL503 has contained a lot of new information for me. I have to admit my knowledge of copyright law and it’s impact on me as a teacher (now even more so as TL) was very basic. Some of the key takeaways for me:
- As soon as something is written it is automatically protected by copyright, there is no need to apply for formal copyright in Australia. Similarly the absence of a copyright notice does not mean that the work is copyright free. So, even my weekly shopping list is copyrighted!
- Be wary of using overseas resources to teach students about copyright as their laws may differ.
- The principal is ultimately responsible for legal compliance but there is certainly a role for the TL as educator about copyright.
- The smartcopying website was new to me! What a great resource! I found it easy to clarify what movies/music could be shown, which are always hotly debated in our school setting.
- Free educational clip art is available at oercommons.org and creativecommons.org
- Roadshow provides a cocurricular licence that allows schools to show movies for entertainment purposes but the NSW DET does not subscribe so our school needs to register individually (which I think we have done, but must check).
