Blog 2- Word and Copyrights

I have worked with Microsoft Word quite a lot during my educational career. I have mostly used it for basic writing assignments, so I haven’t used too many features on Word. I feel very comfortable using the common and important functions on the program. I do have some familiarity with the more advanced things, but it may take me a moment to remember how to successfully do it. I imagine that as I continue learning about being a teacher while in college, I will become even more well versed in Microsoft Word since it plays a large role in education. Of all technology related programs used in education, Microsoft Word is probably way up there in terms of being used the most.

It is very important to know about copyright and fair use in education. As a teacher, I will likely try to just use materials provided to me that I am permitted to use, use things that are creative commons, or make my own materials. If I do have to use a material that I do not own or have access to, I will have to be thorough in making sure that I use it properly. Depending on the age of my students, if they are using online resources, one of the first things I will have to teach them is how you can’t just take anyone’s work. They won’t just know to give credit if they haven’t been taught that. Even after students have been taught about copyrights and things, it is important to keep reminding them to give credit to sources.

A possible issue with technology is decreased productivity. If I were personally trying to address that issue in my class, I would potentially try to actually reduce time spent on technology until I feel like things can get back on task again. Sometimes working with paper and other physical materials can actually be more engaging rather than a screen. Another option, especially on school computers, is to block access to distracting websites.

For addressing academic dishonesty, I would first address the problem before there are instances of it. I would explain what happens if you are academically dishonest and also give support for how to avoid being academically dishonest. If I am worried about academic dishonesty, I can make some assignments be done in class so I can keep an eye on them. There are also websites to check for academic dishonesty. Lastly, there will be consequences in place, such as getting a zero on an assignment, if this occurs. Another important thing I would consider if there was an event of academic dishonesty is just talking to that student and figuring out why it happened. Are there issues at home? Did they make a deal with a student to give them their assignment to copy? Do they just not care about school? Are they uninformed about how to use other people’s materials properly? There could be reasons for academic dishonesty occurring besides just being lazy so I think it would be important to figure out the source of the issue as well in order to try to avoid it again, rather than just punish the student for it.