Thing #8--Creative Commons

The biggest effect & benefit of the Creative Commons to me would be having a large, ever-growing set of resources that can more easily be utilized without the confusion (and sometimes fear) that often goes along with using materials from other sources. Having the specific limitations readily available should not only help eliminate unintentional copyright infringements, but the worry over doing so. I think the ability to view these restrictions would help students more easily understand the acceptable uses being permitted vs. what would normally NOT be allowed under other circumstances (for resources obtained elsewhere). Because of the increased comfort and ease of using materials from CC, I would also think that this might make it the "go to" place both for producers and consumers--including students.

While I have not noticed the CC previously, I suspect that it is fairly prevalent and that I will now be more aware and see it often. I haven't really used web resources of any kind in my class because of my lack of familiarity and knowledge of those resources and how to access & organize them. I fully expect to be much more proactive in this area and to continue to improve my skills over the next year(s). This is the reason I'm taking this class. At some point, when I have become more proficient, I would love to contribute as well--whether here or elsewhere.

I would also like to bring some students' work to the attention of my kids to let them see that they can push themselves to reach a similar goal and encourage them in their efforts to do so.