Art Theft! Copyrights! Yes. Recently, I began to wonder if the artwork I had posted on a previous post wasn't being stolen. I clearly marked each artwork I have submitted. I have since removed the post just as a protective measure. Even though the artwork clearly says it is Copyrighted, that doesn't stop some people. If you click and copy the image and DO NOT give credit to the artist or owner of a work, you are committing art theft and you are stealing. But stealing doesn't just apply to artwork, it applies to much more.
Students who do research and write reports are not being taught how to do it effectively and correctly. Teachers, yes, ALL teachers, who assign research projects to their students are responsible for instructing students on how to give credit where credit is due. Students need to learn how to cite their sources. Also students need to learn to summarize from the text. Copying the text verbatim is stealing from the author. Students need to learn that summarizing the text using their own words (not the author's) is an experience in learning how to write effectively. Students should learn how to follow the 3 steps below.
1) Students should access the website's Terms of Use or Copyright information link at the bottom of the website. Many websites will say they are for education or public use, some state that any use of their artwork, etc., must be cited with information they give.
2) Students should build a bibliography or Resources page to go with their research. An example of a citation is as follows: Menu information/text; N & J's Cafe and Bakery, http://www.njcafebakery.com/ accessed September 27, 2012
3) An example of a short summary of the menu from the website above would be: Family and friends are always welcome to share in the experience of Middle eastern foods. This cafe and bakery will have people dancing in the aisles and feeling enlightened. The atmosphere is semi Arabic, and the food deliciously inviting.
4) Teachers, did you know that you can turn your students work into http://turnitin.com/
Teachers use this website to check on whether the student is plagiarizing or not. Click on the link above to learn more.
Well, I must end this post. I hope it has been enlightening to you. A reminder: Next time you want to "take" a photo or anything else from the Internet or a website, think twice. You know, the steps above aren't just for students, ADULTS need to heed this as well.
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