Legal and Ethical Issues WebQuest

Introduction: When is it OK to copy a picture from the Internet and use it in your own web page? When is it OK to make a copy of a software program? When is it proper to put a program on multiple computers? When is it legal to install a program on your home and classroom computers? Teachers, just like everyone else, need to know the legal, social, and ethical issues that surround use of technology. But because we are in the teaching profession, we have a bit of flexibility with some of the rules. This WebQuest will introduce you to the laws that govern Copyright and Fair Use as well as some ethical issues that may arise in the classroom.

Task: Your task is to work as a team to create a PowerPoint presentation. Your presentation will present an overview of Copyright, Fair Use and selected ethical issues. It will conclude with Acceptable Use Guidelines for classroom teachers.

Process: You will become a team member in a group that works together to complete this project. As a member of the group, you will assume one of the following roles:

Policeman: As a policeman, your focus is strict adherence to the law. This member of the group will become an authority on copyright law.
Lawyer: As a lawyer, your focus is following the spirit of the law but allowing flexibility. This member of the group will become an authority on Fair Use.
Umpire: As an umpire, your focus is making sure that everyone is treated fairly. This member of the group will become an authority on the digital divide and gender issues.

Select the appropriate link below for the steps needed to create your final project:

Lesson 1:
April 28/29

Lesson 2:
May 5,6

Resources:

	Educator's Guide to Copyright and Fair Use
	10 Big Myths about Copyright Explained
	Educator's Guide to Copyright and Fair Use by Tech Learning

Fair Use

	Educator's Guide to Copyright and Fair Use
	Fair Use Guidelines for Teachers

Ethical Issues

Digital Divide

Digital Divide Widens

Boosting the Odds for Internet Use

Gender Issues

AAUW Study Finds Girls Making Progress but Gaps Remain

Girls and Technology

Safety

Kids Rules for Online Safety

Reference for handout in class:
Grabe, M. & Grabe, C. (2000). Integrating the internet for meaningful learning. New York. Houghton Mifflin, Company.

Evaluation:

	Rubric for PowerPoint presentation and letter to Mrs. Jones (MS Word Document)
	Rubric for Case Study to guide letter

Conclusion: Read the Case Study about Mrs. Jones. Write a letter to Mrs. Jones telling her how she should change her practice so that she is more clearly aligned with the Acceptable Use Guidelines for legal and ethical use of technology in the classroom.