“What’s our role as educators in copyright usage in schools?” Great question, but what’s the answer?  Currently, my students are completing research projects regarding current issues in Africa.  A small, but important, part of the learning outcome is that students understand how to properly cite all sources used in completing the project.  However, as students work through the task, it has become extremely arduous and time consuming due to the wide variety of sources being used. Moreover, since the true purpose of the task is to demonstrate strong writing skills, I constantly struggle with the amount of time and energy placed on proper citations.  Additionally, students are required to create a “digital” public service announcement to highlight their chosen topics and possible solutions.  Well, you can imagine the problems this creates when dealing with seventh grade students who seem to find sources in the oddest places.  However, in the end, it is an educator’s responsibility to ensure students are giving proper credit to the sources they use.  

…we have as great an obligation to see that staff and students get as complete access and use from copyrighted materials as possible, as we do in helping make sure they respect copyright laws.

The way I see it, if I am the educator requiring students to research and produce a product,  then I am also responsible for ensuring they clearly understand their obligations when using another individual’s information. Period.