Technology+Report

Aiesha Odutayo EDLD 5306

Copyright-Is it Legal or Illegal? Is it legal or illegal to copy this item? That is a question that should be addressed as a nation. However the question or topic is not addressed as much as it should be in the 21st century world we live in. Copyrighting is a big problem that has matriculated from generation to generation with no one attempting to break the generation curse of copyrighting infringement. My recent graduation from Lamar University with my graduated degree in Technology Leadership has helped me to become an advocate for effective use of Technology in my school and hopefully in my district. My studies at Lamar University has informed and trained me on effective teaching Web tools, technology policies and ethics, and copyrighting laws. My experience and teachings about technology usage, policies, and copyrighting laws was through hands on experiences. As a nation we use technology on a daily basis which is great and needed for the technology savvy world we live in. However, the only problem that we face is lack of teaching and education on technology copyright laws. The only way that we can attempt to fix the problem is by addressing it as a nation starting with the school systems. Students, staff, parents, and community members should all be well informed of copyright legalities” (Davidson, 2005). Schools are the foundations for teaching all the basic information such as morals, values, concepts, and life lessons. Everyone in the world has to be taught about what to expect and how to thrive in the world that is why we send children to school to learn. The 21st century has opened a variety of doors and opportunity for learning through technology. Almost everyone as young as an infant knows what a cell phone and computer is capable of doing. Every school in America has a computer, cell phones, projectors, Smart Boards, and a variety of technology tools. As a nation we have been introduced to computers and technology at a proficient level which is great. The only problem that I see is that we have not been introduced to is ethics, copyrighting laws, and online safety. To help break the mold we have to educate our teachers on copyrighting laws so that they can teach their students and in turn the students teach their parents and friends. “A school or district invests in administrative and instructional material to educate and increase productivity for employees” (Davidson, 2005). This is one of the many ways that we can help protect companies, authors, and creators of software from becoming victims of technology theft. A school district has to invest in professional development and trainings that not only help teachers educate students on how to use technology, but also how to train them on effectively using technology in an ethical way. I see a lot of people selling DVD’S, Movies, and games that they copy from friends not knowing that they have broken the law. As mentioned earlier we have to break the mold by teaching our future so they don’t continue subconsciously stealing software. “An understanding of copyright law gives teachers, librarians, administration, and others a great deal of power (Davidson)”. Educators and everyone who works with technology should be educated on copyrighting laws so they can stop the cycle of copyrighting abuse. All educators should know the five steps to avoiding copyrighting problems. The Copyrighting steps will help save a district from being sued or facing legal issues. The Five copyrighting problems to avoid should serve as a guide and handbook for every district employee to know and teach their students. According to Davidson the five steps to avoid copyright problems are: In conclusion, it is important for school districts to educate their staff of copyright issues and laws so that we can have more morals and ethics involved when it comes to technology. I would encourage that every district invest in a technology specialist that can come in and train and assist district employees on technology ethics, effective usage of computers, and copyright laws. Hall Davidson, Copyright Primer for Administrators, //Technology& Learning:// Jan 2005; 25, 11: Research Library
 * 1)   Create and implement a technology policy that includes a code of ethics and set of procedures.
 * 2)   Review the entire policy with your educational community, students, teachers, and parents.
 * 3)   Appoint a technology manager to conduct audits and maintain a log of licenses and registration materials.
 * 4)   Teach ethical and legal behavior for technology use.
 * 5)   Thank employees and students for supporting these steps.