Thing #23

An example of the use of Creative Commons is found on the content page of this website: 

       Credits

Learning 2.0 - 23 Things for Teachers is based on Learning 2.0 - 23 Things, a staff development program for the Mesquite Independent School District. That program was based on the Learning 2.0 program that was designed by Helene Blowers and adapted by the California School Library Association and others. Content and style for Learning 2.0 - 23 Things for Teachers has been borrowed and duplicated with permission, under a Creative Commons License.

When is something plagiarized, and when is it acceptable to use other people’s work?  Creative Commons allows the use of photographs, activities, and similar information to be placed on the internet and used without being accused of plagiarism.  Since the internet holds multiple sources of information, untold numbers of documents, and representations of other people’s work, the best way to give credit to them is to document the source where it came from.  When credit is given for use of other people’s work and an explanation of how it was altered for use in your project, this is the most ethical means of acknowledging the originator of the idea.  Free access to information does not re-leave the use from giving credit for transferring information to your own personal use. 

When researching information for the activities presented in these assignments, I found students’ work placed on the website from various universities cooperating in the 23 Things project.  This was upsetting to me, because I did not realize that people other than APSU 5540 students would be viewing my blog for eternity.  I noticed that the latest date was 2009, so I hope this has been corrected.  When using other people’s ideas like basing a research paper on Wikipedia, one must be careful to check the facts before quoting them.  During research assignments, I will make sure all photographs and activities turned in by my students are cited correctly.  It amazes me that today’s students believe cutting and pasting constitutes writing a paper.  They are shocked to discover that I can look up sentences from their papers and tell who originally wrote it.