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In order to avoid any legal issues in the classroom, there are a few simple steps to keep in mind when implementing technology into the classroom. These are definitely some tips that I will be keeping in the back of my mind when organizing the technology I plan to use in my classroom!

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Just Because It's There Doesn't Mean You Can Use It

The most important thing to realize is that just because resources exist on the Internet doesn't mean anyone has the right to use them as they please. Media assets (photos, video, text pages, etc) belong to the creator and fall under copyright protection. That means you have to have the creator's permission to reuse the asset. This could be in the form of a license agreement, a disclaimer, or a posting on a common use site such as Wiki Commons. So, how do you know whether a resource is legally okay to use? That gets tricky. There are some special exceptions for classroom and educational use, but even those can become difficult to navigate. Here are a few pointers to help you navigate the legal waters of using technology in the classroom.

First, Check with Your District

These days, almost all school districts have a technology coordinator of some sort, or, at least, offer guidelines regarding technology usage in the classroom. Before planning anything, contact the office to make sure you understand the usage rules. Understanding the rules and the existing safeguards will save you a tremendous amount of time.

Most districts have rules regarding hardware usage, acceptable software, allowable sites, and quite possibly firewalls built into the school's network to limit access. Just because you can access the site at home doesn't mean you will have access to it on your school's network. Also, many districts have rules regarding the usage of popular sites like YouTube. Finding resources can be time consuming, so don't waste time looking at sites your district prohibits - know the guidelines before you begin. In addition, some districts establish subscriptions to education content sites. There may be a wealth of resources at your immediate disposal that don't require you to scour the Internet.

Don't Search Google Randomly

Determining legal usage can get very confusing when finding random resources online. The best way to determine if a source can be used legally is to simply avoid random searches. Nothing is more frustrating than finding the perfect asset and then realizing you can't use it. Just resist the temptation and avoid spending time doing random Google searches. Remember, just because limited or restricted usage isn't outlined on the website doesn't mean the asset isn't copyright protected; unless permission is detailed on the website, copyright rules apply.

Go to Trusted Sources

Begin compiling your go-to list for resources. Searching the Internet can consume hours of your week in a blink of an eye. Save time and frustration by creating a bookmarks folder of great content sites. Most teachers soon have a list of favorites that seem to work well for their teaching styles and classroom needs. Ask around - I'm sure you will get all sorts of recommendations. As I mentioned before, also make sure to talk to your district's curriculum advisor or technology advisor to see if your school or district has purchased subscriptions to any of the popular content resources. There are no legal concerns, ethical considerations, or approvals needed, and you know the sites will clear the network firewalls.

When looking for free, legally safe-use resources, here is a winning tip: think museums and government sites. Both types of websites are there to provide education and enrichment for the public. From the Smithsonian to the National Park Service, museum and government websites offer a wealth of images, texts, and even teacher-ready resources, such as lesson plans, unit studies, and assessments.

Be Willing to Pay

But sometimes, you just can't find what you need for free. The old adage 'you get what you pay for' sometimes holds true when it comes to classroom resources. Yes, you can find copyright-released assets for free, but busy, over-worked teachers' time is valuable, and sometimes it isn't quick or easy to find free resources. Subscription-based web resources range anywhere from a couple of dollars to several hundred for yearly classroom access, but there are great resources available in all budgets. Plus, subscription sites often mean no advertising, which can result in a safer and more predictable environment for your classroom and student use. Unfortunately, we all know teachers end up spending their own money on classroom supplies and resources, and with the arrival of technology in the classroom, some of that money might be well spent on digital resources. Having access to just one good subscription site might be all you need to augment your great list of free, legal resources.

A Few Good Sites to Get You Started...

To get your go-to resources list started (completely legal, of course!), here is just a small sample of some of the amazing technology resources loved and recommended by teachers:

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overcoming legal issues with implementing technology in the classroom  | study.com

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Overcoming Legal Issues with Implementing Technology in the Classroom | Study.com

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The most important thing to realize is that just because resources exist on the Internet doesn't mean anyone has the right to use them as they please. Media assets (photos, video, text pages, etc) belong to the creator and fall under copyright protection. That means you have to have the creator's permission to reuse the asset.

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1. Just Because It's There Doesn't Mean You Can Use It

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1. Just Because It's There Doesn't Mean You Can Use It

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As you search for appropriate materials to present to your classroom, you have to keep in mind that all media assets belong to the creator and fall under copyright protection.

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Make sure you understand your districts usage rules before utilizing technology in the classroom. Just because you can access something at home does NOT necessarily mean you can access it at school.

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When you randomly google topics ir activities to use in your classroom, this opens the door for suspicious sites to be found. Also, it is possible that sites found will not be copyright protected, which can create some major legal issues.

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Compiling a list of trusted sources to use in your classroom is a good way to avoid any future legal issues. Try to stick to museums and government sites. These types of sites provide reliable and educational information open to the public, so you won't have to worry about any surprises.

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Netiquette is using proper behavior what communicating with others in the digital world. It is important to treat others with respect in a safe and secure way.

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Don't Forget the Human:
Anything that gets uploaded to the internet will be seen by someone else. Whether it is intended for them to see or not, the message is now a perceived interpretation. You are only able to portray a message through words, not facial expressions, gestures, or tone of voice. Would you say that to someones face? Would you want someone to say that to you?
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html

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Don't Exclude Your Audience: If you want to share something that exclusively pertains to a specific/small group of people, don't make other people feel excluded by making it public on the internet. While in public it is not appropriate to outwardly react to something that is exclusive to you or a small group. If you don't want to share the joke, save it for later.
https://www.verywellmind.com/ten-rules-of-netiquette-22285

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Respect Others Privacy:
Be considerate. It is not your place to exploit another person whether the intention is positive or negative.
http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html

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Avoid Posting in the Heat of the Moment:
Although it is easy to create a post when you are really happy or mad, it is important to remember anything you put on the internet will stay there forever even if you delete it. There are real repercussion for your actions on the internet so it is always important to be mindful of what you plan on posting.
http://canadianimmigrant.ca/careers-and-education/careers/social-netiquette-be-mindful-of-what-how-and-where-you-post-on-social-media

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Netiquette is so important and is lacking. I was never exposed to the concept of this growing up and while I have learned early on to be very careful of what I put on the internet, so many people don't think about the impact they have by being part of the internet world. Cyberbullying, spam, celebrity gossip... these are all examples of poor netiquette skills. Not only is it important to have proper netiquette out of the respect of others, but out of respect for oneself. It is easy to post something online and for someone else to interpret it other than how it was intended. It is easy to be ruthless on the internet to someone by hiding behind a screen and keyboard. Being educated on netiquette is important for anyone who plans or has access to the internet.