As educators, how can we make our students more aware of their rights and responsibilities as they gain increasing access to technology?
(Blue Coat Photos, 2015)
Step 1: Rules should be followed in and out of school:
Make sure students are aware of the acceptable use policy of your school.
When students gain access to technology ask them to sign the policy and pledge to follow the rules, this can act as a document to refer to if rules are broken.
Rules should include:
The use of materials ethically on the internet and knowing how to protect the property of others
How to be safe on the internet including the prevention of cyber-bulling and when to share personal information
Have a discussion on how these rules can also protect them outside of school as well.
Step 2: Direct instruction on copyright and how to cite sources when taken from the internet
Plagiarism is a real crime and will only have harsher consequences as they progress throughout their schooling, review these key terms with students. A great "Holy Grail" resource is Purdue OWL .
Copyright - rights to protect your creative works and prevent others from using without proper citations or permissions (Smartcopying)
Fair Use - the usage of creative works for limited purposes which protect the user from copyright infringement (Stim, 2017)
Intellectual Property - the creative works of individuals that be protected by law by trademarks, copyright, patents etc. (WIPO)
Discuss how we can give credit appropriately and why its important to cite their sources
Extend their thinking by learning how students can protect their own property on the internet as well
Step 3: Show the Public Service Announcement: The video below explains the digital rights and responsibilities for students and can be shared with them to review these key topics and ideas including:
Netiquette - how to communicate appropriately online
Internet Safety - how to protect yourself when interacting online
Consequence of Misuse - what could happen if you do not follow the rules and/or expectations
Explanation of Acceptable Use Policy - what is the policies purpose and how can you find further information
Note: This provides a link to Cherry Hill Middle Schools Acceptable Use Policy, so please be informed and make changes as necessary