Assignment 1: Internet Resources

1. Copyright Issues and Internet Use

http://www.umuc.edu/library/copy.shtml

This site gives a very good definiton of copyrighted materials, as well as the exceptions to copyright laws. It outlines the guidelines for fair use, which is limitations on a copyrighter holder's rights. There are outlines of questions that a person can ask in order to determine whether or not something is copyrighted or can be used under the fair use clause. For this class, it is especially important to understand the rights of educators and the use of materials in the classroom. This site has a special section devoted to that. I learned that there are modified laws based on what you do with the material, and that teachers have more flexible guidelines.

http://www6.district125.k12.il.us/staffdev/Copyright.html

I really like this site because it's devoted to the issue of copyright in the classroom. I enjoy that it has a myth page at the beginning which can help defunk misunderstandings. I also really like that they list the various proportions limits on copyrighted materials, which is important to understand when using materials in the classroom.I learned that there are set amounts of media or words you can use from a copyrighted material without violating the laws.


2. Equity Issues in Computer Use in Schools

http://www.maec.org/techrev.html

This site offers a great definition of the issues of equity, as well as outlining the various ways there can be issues, such as racial and socioeconomic. I really like that it has charts and statistics that help to drive the point of the inequalities home. It also offers suggestions at both the district and school levels to help close the equity gap. I learned that there are simple ways of eliminating equity issues by making sure all students in the school have access to the computer lab, not just the students in honors classes.

http://rer.sagepub.com/content/61/4/475.abstract

This site offers a great discussion of the process of developing equity through teachers' attitudes towards equity and equality. As future educators, it's important that we understand the effects of our attitudes on the students. I learned that there is a consistency between teachers that were enthusiastic about technology and their successful use of technology in their classrooms. That means that if I want to have a classroom that utilizes technology, I need to be sure to show my enthusiasm for it.


3. Cultural Use in Computer Use in Schools

http://community.flexiblelearning.net.au/TeachingTrainingLearners/content/article_4502.htm

Although this article is based on Australia, it can be applied everywhere. It outlines research done on how various cultures view computers and how these cultural perceptions can be limiting for children. It discusses the importance of understanding different views of computers and the application of new ways of teaching and using computers in the classroom to make it a more positive experience. I learned that it is important to make sure that students are having a positive experience and try to modify things so that they can.

http://cte.jhu.edu/accessibility/primer/resources/data/assistivetech/kidware_article.pdf

This article addresses the use of computers to help ESL students intergrate better into society, mostly through the use of the program KIDWARE. Although focused on one program, the ideas of using technology to help students learn english better are cross denominational. It outlines the problem that teachers unknowingly can bring a bias to the classroom, and by allowing students to use computers to customize their own learning experience can help them to learn better. I learned that teachers can bring bias to computer-based learning.


4. Health Problems Concerning the Use of Computers

http://heheli.com/business/top-4-health-problems-caused-by-computer-use/

This is a pretty straightforward article that lists the four most common health problems caused by computer usage- eye disease, bad posture, hurting hands, and computer stress injuries. It also offers solutions or preventative measures you can take to avoid these problems. I learned that sitting improperly can cause stress on the body and can lead to heart disease and cancer.

http://www.aoa.org/x8526.xml

This publication from the American Optometic Association explains the risks of computers on the eyes. It describes the risks that children face that adults don't. This includes issues with a child's developing self-awareness, adaptation skills, and their developing bodies. I learned that it is important to give kids breaks when working on the computer to prevent eye strain and to make sure that the computer station is set up to accomodate for kids growing bodies.