Plagiarism and Copyrights

Plagiarism is basically when you are taking credit for someone else’s idea, thought, or art. This can happen intentionally and unintentionally. Intentional plagiarism happens when ideas are out right bought or stolen. Unintentional plagiarism is usually because the student has failed to cite the source of the information obtained. One of the most common forms of plagiarism is paraphrasing too closely to the original text. Students sometimes think if they just change a few words around then they are safe from plagiarizing. As teachers, we must teach students what is acceptable and what is unacceptable in gathering information and using it.

The Copyright Act basically protects the reproducing and distributing of art, literature and music without the creator’s permission to do so. This law protects the creator from someone taking their work and using or distributing it for their own benefit. This also protects unpublished work as well as published. One common violation of this copyright act is burning DVDs of movies and music CDs then distributing them to the public through friends. By doing this, the creator, whether an individual or large company, is being robbed. Even though this law has been in affect since 1976, many people tend to disregard it.

ALEX

ALEX, Alabama Learning Exchange, is a very useful website that has been set up for educators, administrators, parents and students. This website offers information on every course offered in public schools from English to Drivers’ Education. It is not only has each course listed but by grade level also. For instance a teacher, who is looking for a create way to teach a particular concept can go to this website and click on a subject area then the grade level to look at lesson plans that have been shared on that particular concept or skill. This is a great way teachers can share their expertise and communicate with other educators across the country. ALEX is constantly changing and being updated to offer its users the very best and most current information.

Teachers can create an account which allows them to have their own personal workspace. This is where they can work on their individual lesson plans. Not only does it help teachers with their subject area but also offers professional development for teachers and administrators. Even parents can use this resource during the summer to help reinforce what was taught over the school year. ALEX was not around when I first started teaching, so I am excited that such a resource is now available. This is a valuable tool to use for enhancing the classroom. http://alex.state.al.us/

Mr. Sullivan’s power point presentation demonstrates what it means for the web to be accessible for everyone regardless of a disability or handicap. In 1973 this became the law with the passing of The Rehabilitation Act. There is so much available in software and hardware. Teachers need to be aware of what is available be able to best meet the needs of the students. Not only is this important for students who have a particular disability such as a hearing or vision impairment, but also for other students to see that even with a disability, goals can be accomplished. These can serve as greater life lessons.

During my third year of teaching, I had a deaf student in my classroom. This student did not use sign language but had learned to read lips. I had to make sure he could always see my lips moving which meant remembering to not turn my back to him. During that time, there was not much technology in the classroom. Today with so much technology being used it in education, I think it has become easier to meet the needs of these students in mainstream classrooms. I would have loved for my student Andy to have had access to a laptop where I could have interacted with him more.

Greetings! My name is Anne Gardner and it has been awhile since I have played the role of a student. However, I am excited to be in this class and learning about all the changes in technology that have happened in the classroom since I left to become a full time mom. I locked the door to my classroom of nine years for the last time twelve years ago, but even though I left that teaching position, I began a new one with the birth of my boys. I have three – Drew (15), Josh (12) and Luke (7). My husband and I have been married for 21 years and feel very blessed to have such wonderful sons. Our family lived in Pensacola, Florida for 14 years before moving here to Daphne and we love living here on the Eastern Shore.

Now that my youngest son Luke is in elementary school, I have decided it is time to unlock the classroom door and walk back inside. I am very excited about this because I have really missed teaching! I taught 10th and 11th grade English at Escambia High School in Pensacola Florida and was the head coach of the three cheerleading squads. Go Gators! This phrase did not come out easily since I am an Auburn graduate. To be able to return to the classroom, I must reinstate my Alabama certification. This course, EDU310, is the first of the three courses I need to accomplish this.