Internet Safety
How do I evaluate Internet Content?
Anyone can put anything on the Internet. Do not take information for granted just because it is published on the Internet. There is an extremely wide variation in the quality of information available. Urban legends begin when inaccurate information is accepted without question and distributed to others.
Find out the source of the information. This is not very hard to do if the site is written by an authority on the subject, or sponsored by a legitimate group, school, agency, or organization. Be wary of sites that do not clearly state the source of the information.
Find out the timeliness of the information. Is the site regularly updated? How old is the information?
Verify the accuracy of the information. Is the information also available in a printed source? Do other information sources agree with the information on the site you are using?
Copyright is a legal protection which identifies exclusive ownership of a created work. The creator has exclusive rights to his/her own work.
If you copy someone else's work and submit it as your own work, you are breaking the law.
Plagiarism is using others' ideas and words without clearly acknowledging (citing) the source of that information.
Note: Our school uses turnitin.com to help students avoid plagiarism. You will be using turnitin.com when you write papers to help you see where plagiarism has occurred. This allows you an opportunity to correct any instances of accidental plagiarism before turning your paper in to the teacher.
Fair use is a legal concept that limits the exclusive rights of the holder of the copyright. The concept of fair use was created to acknowledge the necessity for teachers and students to continually examine other people's ideas and works in discussions, reports, and assignments. However, fair use does not ignore copyright law. Use of other people's ideas and creative works must always be cited. Also, fair use is limited by purpose, time, portion, and distribution.
STUDENT GUIDELINES FOR COPYRIGHT ISSUES:
Evaluate the quality of information located on the Internet before you use it.
Cite the information sources used, including words, photos, videos, audios.
Be careful when you cut and paste. Use it as a convenience, not as a way to avoid paraphasing or quoting without citing.
Paraphrase (use your own words) as much as possible.
Use quotation marks to indicate words written by someone else.
Get permission to use copyrighted information, especially if using a complete work.
Seven Big Lies about the Internet
1. Internet Chat allows me to make lots of friends. Once I know someone online, I can tell by what they say whether or not I like them and what kind of person they are. Chat is harmless and fun.
Truth: It is very easy for people you meet through chat to mislead you. Although most people can chat without being in any danger, there are unsavory people who use chat to trick you into thinking you are safe. Some teens have become victims of harassment and others have actually put themselves in physical danger.
2. I'm anonymous on the Internet, so I can do and say anything I want. I can be rude or disrespectful or express my anger without any repercussions.
3. Hacking into places I'm not supposed to be is OK if I'm not stealing anything.
4. Downloading music is OK because I'm just going to listen to it, not sell it.
5. There is nothing wrong with using cut and paste to get my work done for school. Paraphrasing and citing stuff is just a waste of time.
Truth: You can be traced. Do not take the risk of being prosecuted. Jail is not a fun place.
6. There's nothing on the Internet that I would find uncomfortable. Filters at home or school will filter anything anyway.
Truth: No filtering system is foolproof. If you inadvertently find an inappropriate site, get away from it, and tell a responsible adult.
7. I can safely give out my password, as long as I only give it to my friends.
Truth: You are probably violating the policy of your Internet Service Provider and/or your school. People change, freinds come and go throughout your life. Don't take responsibility for what other people might do in your name.
STUDENT GUIDELINES FOR ONLINE SAFETY
Keep your personal information private.
Report any website, information exchange, or interaction that makes you feel uncomfortable to a teacher, librarian, or parent.
Never agree to meet face-to-face with anyone that you only know from the Internet.
Don't send or respond to any inappropriate language or negative behavior.
If you feel the need to keep your online activities secret or hidden, your brain is sending you a signal that you are doing something you know you shouldn't be doing.
Do not do anything online that is inconsiderate, disrespectful, hurtful, or illegal.
(the information above was taken from: http://www.sussexvt.k12.de.us/Home/cybrarian/student_ethics_1.htm#What%20is%20copyright)
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