Thing # 10 Creative Commons

This is something completely new for me. I have not observed the CC logos while wandering around the web. I typically associate copyright with workbooks that cannot be copied, or with books and things that you are not allowed to copy at school on the copier, or with music or movies. I think the CC labels provide a level of comfort knowing that you are not stealing the work of someone else and using it in a way that they would not want. CC labels allow so much more flexibility in student learning and creation of projects because there is a clear label that says "go ahead and use this." It also informs you whether you can alter the info you want to use. I did take a class last year where I had to publish a YouTube video and I used the music that had been made available to use with the videos as opposed to music I had on a CD or had downloaded from the Internet. I do not typically share information on the web. However, I believe that blogging and wiki fall into the web sharing category. Teaching materials belong to those who create the materials, or with lots of confusing limitations, to the person who purchases the materials. At this point, I cannot think of one thing negative about using the Creative Commons, it clears up the issues of whether or not something is available for me to use or share with others. I did visit OER Commons and read a few interesting things created by teachers under the search heading classroom management. One about using problem solving pairs to solve math problems and the other about the validity of using homework with students. You will have to register to use this site. It has so many items that others have submitted that teachers can use for ideas in their classrooms. I reviewed the CC labels at the end of each item as well - which I will do from now on especially when considering materials to share with others.