Fair Use?

Fair use is limited use of any copyrighted material without needing the permission from the rights holder. Many of these items that are fair use are to be used in educational ways. Renting a movie and playing it for the class because it's the end of the week and relaxing does not count as fair use. But if you show that same movie because it correlates to something you are teaching, then it is fair use. 

Using fair use in education is very difficult. You need to know the boundaries of what you use, but reading about copyright laws makes it even more difficult to understand. There are loopholes and all different types of ways to get around things, or not. I think that as an educator, you need to let your students understand that what they use is for instruction and education.

With my background in graphic design, the subject of copyright comes up quite often. I remember as an undergrad, we were allowed to use images from the Internet. But the professor always reminded us that since we were students, we were using it for instruction, and that it was okay. But once we decided to take that work public, we needed to get permission.

Copyright laws are a difficult topic, with many different rules and regulations.

Technology Integration Matrix

Looking at the Technology Integration Matrix, I decided to go with the Collaborative Learning, Transformation Level. This activity helps students design, publish and present their work using technology and to share and  collaborate with peers and others using the Internet. This activity is reflected many times in the NETS for Teachers, especially in 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning. It refers to 

a.	demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
b.	collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.
c.	communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.

I believe that I am currently at the Infusion level. I feel like I can reach the Transformation level once I begin teaching and learning how to better apply technologies to the classroom.

Are mistakes okay?

I believe 21^st Century Skills are the key for the future. I think children need to learn more of these skills to be able to deal with the future. No one know what things will be like in even five years, but I think if children learn how to use these skills more, they will definitely be more well prepared.

In the first article, Critical Thinking? You Need Knowledge, the author wrote how school had a similar curriculum using 21^st Century Skills, starting in the 1910s. The author stated how many methods were tried but none stuck around. But he does say they had an impact. I think this shows these skills need to be taught in schools today. The movements in the 1900s that were tried changed the entire curriculum to these skills, but educators today only want to add them into the curriculum already had in schools. These means teachers are trying to teach these 21^st century skills in subjects like math and science, and not take out the subjects completely.

I believe any teacher can use the 21^st century skills in their own classroom and adapt it to what needs to be taught, using real life examples and introducing problems and projects that require a group to work on, using their minds for solutions and collaborating.

Whatever the future holds, these skills will always stay with the children without them realizing. They will have an advantage over others in the future. I like how the article, School’s Tap 21st Century Skills, says we need to blend the world of academia and the real world, and not just use one or the other.

I also believe there is room in schools for creativity. Ken Robinson said there is less of it in schools, how they teach children not to make mistakes. But I believe it is okay to make mistakes. I never felt this way as a child or growing up. Even today I need to remind myself of this. But I know as a teacher I would want, need, to instill that in all the students. Mistakes do not mean you are stupid or wrong, it just means you need to try again. And it is better to try again than to give up. I think other creative things can be introduced into a classroom like playing music as students walk in and settle down. Or if it is a long class, to have a minute dance to get the students energy level up. Small things like this, I think, can help students keep more interested and paying attention. Most importantly, it is okay to make mistakes.