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This may seem obvious, but judging by the notices we have received, many teachers (and especially students) are under the impression that if it is on the web, then it is up for grabs.

That is, in some cases, if an image, text, video, etc. is being used for educational purposes, there might be more flexible copyright rules.

But make sure to check specific copyright restrictions before uploading anything you’ve scanned to the web!

These sites contain material that is generally free to use, uncopyrighted, whose copyright has expired, or is uncopyrightable. The last includes resources from US government agencies, educational organizations and companies that provide materials for students and teachers.

The Advantages of Media for Students: Popular media (films, music, YouTube) are a familiar medium to students that helps gain attention and maintain student interest in the theories and concepts under discussion. Students can see the theories and concepts in action. In more than a figurative sense, theories and concepts leap from the screen. Students can hone their analytical skills by analyzing media using the theories and concepts they are studying. The use of media in the classroom enables students to see concepts and new examples when they are watching television, listening to music, or are at the movies with friends. Students can experience worlds beyond their own, especially if the media is sharply different from their local environment.

Using media requires a complete understanding of copyright law, an appreciation of the workload involved, and some skill in recognizing content that will enhance learning, instead of becoming a distraction.

Recording your computer screens into a digital video (screencasting) for class tutorials can come in handy when flipping the classroom.  You can record yourself using an online tool, reciting a presentation, or guide students through a website.  You can even record streaming video online – though you will still have to follow copyright rules when recording online video.  This post will compare two popular screencasting tools: Camtasia (which cost money) and Screencast-O-Matic (free).

social media can also be used to enhance teaching and learning and it includes varied online technology tools that allow people to communicate easily via the internet to share information and resources.

demonstrations focused on contrasting cases help students achieve expert-like differentiation

Start small. Find one movie, song, or news source and incorporate it into your class. Expand once you are comfortable. Provide a clear link between what you want your students to learn and the media. Care must be taken provide the proper learning context. It takes time to integrate media effectively into a course. This is not edutainment, it is the conscious use of media to enable students to learn more. Use the subtitles feature for visual media. This is especially useful in focusing student attention on the words being said. Be prepared. Technology does not work 100% of the time so have a back up plan. If the media equipment does not work, go to plan B and continue on with your class without missing a beat. Evaluate student understanding. Students respond to incentives. If you require them to write a reaction paper, take a quiz, or place questions on your exams that relate to the media content they will pay more attention and learn more in the process. Stay legal. View the copyright information on the cautions page.