Digital tools and resources have revolutionized the way our students learn and create. Our students consume and make music, videos, images, and artwork for school projects and personal interests daily. However, many students perceive copyright as primarily about restrictions, making it seem like copyright is a barrier to creativity rather than something that supports and protects creative efforts.
Teaching copyright seems outdated and boring because it is typically associated with complex legal language and abstract concepts that can be difficult to understand. Although copyright might seem complex, it focuses on fairness and respect for others’ work. Teaching students about copyright helps them understand why it’s essential to give credit where it’s due. It’s about assisting them in making intelligent and respectful choices in a world immersed in digital content. Learning about copyright is necessary for their academic and future professional lives.
TeachersFirst has a special topics collection of copyright and fair-use resources and a fantastic OK2Ask on-demand web workshop that explores the legal and ethical implications of using other people’s work and the creative and educational benefits of remixing and reusing content. Let’s explore ways we can make teaching copyright fun and creative!
Copyright Scavenger Hunt
- Create a scavenger hunt where students find examples of different types of content and determine their copyright status.
- You can use GooseChase edu (reviewed here) or Flip (reviewed here) to post information on copyright and the questions for students.
Create and Share Original Work
- Have students create original artwork, music, writing, or videos about one copyright and fair use aspect, focusing on how they would protect their work with copyright.
- Encourage students to use Adobe Express for Education (reviewed here) or Microsoft’s Sway (reviewed here) for their presentations to showcase their original work.
Mock Copyright Trial
- Conduct a mock trial where students role-play as plaintiffs, defendants, and judges in a copyright infringement case.
- Explore the website Teaching Copyright (reviewed here) for five lessons on copyright. The culminating lesson is Fair Use: You Be The Judge.
Copyright Campaign
- Have students design posters, videos, or social media posts promoting responsible use of digital content and respect for copyright.
- Use Smore (reviewed here) or Canva (reviewed here) to create the content.
Integrating copyright education into the classroom is essential in our digital age, where students constantly interact with various forms of media. Despite copyright’s reputation for being complicated, it’s about fairness and respect for others’ creative work. With engaging and interactive experiences, we can transform copyright education from a boring topic into a fun and vital part of their learning journey.
What are your tips and suggestions for engaging experiences for students focused on copyright? Share your ideas below so we can learn together!