Why copy?

My latest adventure allowed me to look at the topic of copyright. I was overwhelmed at the amount of information but began to break the information into parts and it seemed less intimidating. My adventure began with a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJn_jC4FNDo that explained copyright, duration and fair use. The information was helpful and gave me my first clear thought about copyright. If we use common sense and our intentions are well suited, there should be little fear in regards to copyright information. Lessig ridicules copyright as it inhibits creativity. Since copyright is largely about the financial gain I understand the desire to be paid for your work. However, if the intention is to use pictures, videos,etc to further learning and not gain financialy, it should be embraced.
After viewing the many articles and videos about copyright, I believe a person could make a case for material being copyright in almost any instance. Intention of doing what is ethically right is the key. You may have noticed I have repeatred myself using the term intention, that is my intention.
The term copyleft allows for freedom of use. I would like to think my blog is an example of copyleft. Feel free to use any information. I am impressed with how many sites offer free use of their material. Sharing of information without seeking financial gain, what a novel idea. An example would be www.public-domain-image.com This site allows for the public to use images without a cost. There are numerous places to find free music, images, etc., you just have to be willing to take that extra time to search.
In schools we most often see the misuse of copyright in terms of plagairism. Each year, we continuously teach students about plagairism but we now also have parent nights to teach parents about plagairism. As parents are helping their children with reports it is beneficial to educate them as well. I am sure it is not the parents intention (there's that word again) to plagiarize but they may not fully understand what can or can not be done.
Finding information for reports is very easy to do. One right click of the mouse and work is done for us. My advice: carefully examine what and how you use information from others, give credit to others for the work they did, and make sure your intentions are morally strong.

New Poll

Ask500 helps to poll people about questions you may have.

Slideshare

Here is a technology presentation I made in another class. It shows how technology has been integrated by a teacher in our school.

Technology Integration Presentation

View more presentations from dhauk. (tags: technology integration)

Team Building

I am thinking of using wordle as part of a team building process for the SaskFirst team I am coaching. My plan is for the players to send words that describe themselves and have them put it together to show how it all fits into our team. Here is an example.


title="Wordle: Team work"> src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/607329/Team_work"
alt="Wordle: Team work"
style="padding:4px;border:1px solid #ddd">

Always Connected

I now realize that my interest in technology has now turned into an addiction. I purchased a Blackberry and have the web at my fingertips. I have a shortcut to Facebook and receive email instantly. I no longer have to search for a destination when driving in a new city. In a few seconds I have directions. This phone is amazing. I haven't used it to the full potential but I already know I would be lost without it.

On a Personal note ...

Recently I was in Humboldt, Saskatchewan for a Provincial Hockey game. I help coach a the Midget Midwest Redwings. Humboldt is a finalist for recogintion of Hockeyville 2009 and as part of the celebration CBC televised the promotion of the town. Cassie Campbell (Olympic gold medalist) and Glenn Hall (Hockey Hall of Famer) were the special guests on behalf of CBC. They actually came into the dressing room and met the boys and encouraged them to do their best. It was a highlight for the team and the coaches. I have attached a video from that eveneing that was on CBC. Enjoy!

Conference in the Fischbowl

Did anyone else look at the video conference by Karl Fisch? This looks amazing. I have to admit I am overwhelmed with the magnitude of the set up. There were computers connected to Skype, students had laptops for blogging, other computers for blogging, parents were emailed so they could see their children using these tools. This activity looks like a total team effort in order to pull it off. For me, the problem is that I get excited about these big activities and want to do them as well. To be realistic, I do not have the know how or time to do something this exciting. Should this be something we work with our school TILs to bring to our school. On a similar note, our school is going to connect to a worldwide Math initiative and have scheduled times for the entire school to participate. This accomplishes the use of technology and improving math skills as two of our school goals.
Has anyone tried an activity similar to Fisch but to a lesser degree? Please share.