copyright issue in schools

Although I had some knowledge of copyrighting issues schools face before class, I had know idea the depth of the subject. I remember in class that many teachers just copied books for us to read or played music or videos in their presentations. I am pretty sure that they were not getting permission. I think the most surprising aspect for me is how much of certain information you can take. you can copy 10% of a book or 30 seconds of a song. Personally, I don't see what the difference is as long as you are not making money off it or claiming it as my own. Unfortunately, now that I know a little more about the subject I wonder if the lessons that we observed contained information that was against the copyright laws. It seems that there are laws out there but many people do not know the exactly which way they can use someones information. Within my classroom no matter how much i feel that if it is for education and I should be able to use something, I will have to think twice. I'm sure some people feel a bit uneasy after this class but don't worry it is not as bad as it seems. Just think twice and get permission, that doesn't seem too hard.

virtual worlds

This week I reviewed the section on virtual worlds. I see it as a benefit to incorporate gaming technology into the classroom. All people, kids and adults, have a technology literacy that did not exist in the late eighties (sorry if you were not born yet). We have come so far in the tech world, i would think a majority of us could not go without a computer for long. I also know because of the technology literacy we possess we learn computer based information much faster. I think many people want to incorporate gaming technology in schools but are afraid of the disadvantages like cost, or the myth that because it is about content it is boring. I don't see what the big deal is now, I went to school in the eighties and early nineties and we had educational games and I'm sure the topic was not debated. I remember playing games like Oregon Trail, which is still played in classrooms today. This game taught me how hard it was for people to move west and the incredibly amount of planning that was needed to make the trip. I am all for adding gaming technology and virtual world learning in the classroom. It shouldd not be the only source of learning, but should be implemented as a support tool. Just imagine teaching the Civil War and having a virtual world that places you in the midst of battle to gain a sense of what soldiers went through. You could also be a senator in the 1850's debating the same issues the government did then. I feel this would be a fantastic way to get kids to see what happened in those times. Done right, I believe we have to add this tool to our arsenal as educators.