Has your class kicked off, but you still need some last minute images to reinforce a certain topic? Do your students need to do a presentation that will involve images or media? Planning to just grab stuff off Google?
Just because an image, video or even PDF is online, doesn’t mean that you can use it or share it in your course. Much of this content is copyrighted and you shouldn’t use it without permission from the owner. THOU SHALT NOT VIOLATE COPYRIGHT. “But what about fair use? I’m using it for my course,” you say. Fair use may cover your situation, but the guidelines can be tricky to navigate and you may want to consult your local librarian for assistance.
Fortunately, there’s another option… a free, completely legal option that doesn’t run afoul of copyright. Creative Commons.
Creative Commons is an alternative to copyright that allows individuals to easily share their work with others and to specify how that work can be used. An author or artist can allow you to use and share their work as long as you acknowledge them, but not allow you to edit it. Other authors may allow you to remix and reuse as much as you wish as long as you aren’t making money from it. Look for the Creative Commons – Some Rights Reserved icon.
Click on it to get the details on how you can use the work.
Want more info?
Digital ID has a great, easy to read guide written by an educator, not a lawyer. Can I Use That? explains:
- what Creative Commons is,
- how to find Creative Commons content that you can use,
- how to cite Creative Commons licensed content and
- how to license your own work .
For a quick overview of Creative Commons, check out their short video below.