Chris Nolan

Unfortunately I was not here for Mr. Nolan's presentation but thanks to Dr. Belisle, I was able to read over the links that she posted to gain a bit of insight into what was discussed during the class period. I was most intrigued by the "invisible internet" and the many ways there are to get around it. For students, this is an especially valuable piece of knowledge because these hidden articles undoubtedly provide great information. The other great feature I learned about was the google tool that "adds on" when an individual is searching terms. It suggests terms and eliminates cookie tracking which can be very useful for students searching because it often provides vocabulary that one might not ever think about to use in their search.

COPYRIGHT

Unfortunately I was not in class to hear Mr. Hardin and Mrs. Graves speak about copyright laws, however I did read the additional documents that were posted and I discovered some very valuable information about copyright laws and even exemptions from the laws that I was unsure about prior to my reading. I think the most interesting aspect of copyright laws is the “fair use” policy which allows special situations such as “commentary, parody, news reporting, research, and education about copyrighted works without the permission of the author”. The “fair use” rule was in part created so that all people have the freedom to create and publish their original work with the only restraint that they cannot republish someone else’s. The rule in whole states that there are several principles to think about when deciding if “fair use” can be implemented. The first thing to remember is whether or not the work you are creating is original or simply a copy of someone else’s. While small excerpts or quotes from another’s piece of original work is acceptable to use, copying more than is necessary to be used in an individual’s work can be considered against copyright law. Individuals should also remember that whatever they create using another’s ideas cannot be generating competition with the original source. One of the hardest things to remember about the “fair use” rule is that just because recognition of the source is given does not mean that the author’s material can be used. Copyright is truly about getting permission directly from the owner of the work to use his or her material. Finally, the quality and quantity of the material a person wishes to use does not distinguish whether or not the work is protected under the “fair trade” rule. Everything from a child’s finger painting to a two line poem can be considered copyrighted because it is “fixed in a tangible form of expression”.

I think that learning about the copyright laws is so crucial for all people because many people undoubtedly violate these rules without even realizing it. Students and others alike use images off of the internet very frequently, and some people may even use entire documents as inspiration or pieces of reference without knowing they are going against a national law, and indirectly disrespecting the original author. But how many times have we, as students, copied images or even small video clips off the internet to use in a presentation. We certainly weren’t maliciously violating national policy by using a copyrighted piece of material. I think that in instances like this, the copyright laws may seem very extreme. Can you imagine being sued by another because you used an image he or she had posted and copyrighted? While many students are unknowingly breaking copyright laws, using images and video clips not for personal benefit, yet merely to enhance a presentation, these laws seem absurd. However, laws must be enforced on all levels or else they become ineffective at any level. As an author or publisher, they certainly want to know that their original work is being protected and kept under their name and their name only. I think the best way to limit conflict between the two sides is through education, exactly what we are doing now.

For more information on copyright laws check out:
http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html
http://www.nolo.com/article.cfm/catId/DAE53B68-7BF5-455A-BC9F3D9C9C1F7513/objectId/C3E49F67-1AA3-4293-9312FE5C119B5806/310/276/ART/

Or the following for details on Trinity University's policy:
http://www.trinity.edu/home/copyright.htm


Thanks for all the great links! Until next time….

FACEBOOK: the entity connecting students all over the world.

Facebook is such a peculiar thing to think about. A profile on the internet where people post their relationship status, their email address, pictures of their family and friends...all for the entire public to view! I am so bewildered by the amount of information people post and make accessible. I made a facebook several years ago and I have found that the site can be a great way to keep in touch with friends and family, but it can also prove to be a huge problem for many students. I constantly find myself procrastinating doing homework or staying up later than I should because I'm on facebook. Facebook has become, for many students, a time-waster. Aside from that, however, I find Facebook very useful in maintaining long distance relationships one might have. I was an exchange student my junior year in high school, and through Facebook, I have been able to not only have instant communication with my friends all over the world, but also share pictures and videos with them. The idea that I can be sitting in my dorm room here in San Antonio and chat with someone half way around the world is reason enough for me to support Facebook and its growth. My only advice to people with Facebook profiles is to be wise and precautious about what information you choose to include on your page.

In the article "Facebook: A campus fad becomes a campus fact", the author explained how easy Facebook has made networking amongst students. I would agree that Facebook has provided students with yet another outlet to reaching and recruiting others to join their cause. This is quite inspiring to think that one student can post his ideas or hopes and have the possibility of being joined by others simply because of a page online. Facebook has made life so much more convenient, planning events easier, and I am so glad that technology keeps progressing.

To learn more about Facebook on college campuses visit: http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/1213/p13s01-legn.html