learning all i can

Creative Commons is an absolutely fabulous site.  I love the whole idea of things being available for educational purposes because it’s not like we’re making money on these things.  It is so wonderful to know that so many things are out there and are completely available to be shared and used and viewed.  I truly was not aware of the “cc” mark before this exercise.  All I knew about was the copyright  “c” and I was always a bit intimidated and confused by that.  What was the rule regarding use, educational purposes, etc.  Now I will know what is available and what is off limits.   After viewing the films, I googled “music available for sharing” and was amazed at what came up.  I was able to listen to Nora Jones and John Mayer for free and I think of all the potential uses.  One thing that has been difficult for me in the past was getting good music for background in photostory so now I have more options.

I think it will be very helpful for students as they work on assignments and projects (and then later out there in “the real world” - wherever that is - when they work on business presentations, proposals, etc.)   I have used lots of digital images from the web in powerpoints, photostories, etc. and I really never gave too much thought to the copyright of those sources.  I certainly will be more attuned to them now.

I have never thought much about who owns my teaching materials.  I am fortunate to work in a school, and especially in a department within that school, that has been very gracious about sharing with one another.  I think we’ve been collaborative all along, and that just goes right along with the whole concept of the internet.  The uses of these things in Creative Commons for the most part will be entirely beneficial and positive.  Of course there will be those few who will no doubt abuse the system, and that’s really a shame since it will impact everyone.  But unfortunately that is true in most cases, so hopefully it won’t stop people from sharing and continuing to add things to the shared files for everyone to enjoy.  And hopefully the internet community will “police its own” so to speak and keep the system open and available.