Learning patterns/Teaching new editors about copyright

A learning pattern forEducation

Learning Pattern Library

Teaching new editors about copyright

problemStudents or workshop participants are making copyright violations.

solutionDevote time in workshops to teach new editors why copyright is important and how to avoid plagarism.

creator• KHarold (WMF)

created on6 January, 2015

What problem does this solve?

Students and new editors may plagarize because they do not have a good understanding of what copyright means and why it is important.

What is the solution?

When teaching people to edit in workshops and in classes, it is best to assume that participants have a limited understanding of what copyright means. Make sure to teach new editors why copyright is important on Wikimedia and talk about how to avoid plagarism.

• Start by asking new editors what they know about copyright and plagarism so that you know what concepts you should focus on.
• If possible, have an experienced Wikimedian teach a session on copyright in person, and make sure there is time for new editors to ask questions.
• Demonstrate how easy it is to catch ‘cut and paste’ plagarism by doing a Google search for a copied sentence, or by uploading an image to Google and searching for like images.
• Have students practice writing without plagiarizing using sample texts as an in-class exercise.
• Remind new editors that copyright policies apply to work in User Sandboxes.
• Teach note taking methods to help avoid plagiarism.

See also

Education Toolkit Learning Pattern This learning pattern is part of the Education Program Toolkit. Go to the toolkit.

External links

• http://www.teachingcopyright.org/curriculum/hs offers curriculum and lesson plans for teaching secondary students about copyright.
• Plagiarism tutorial videoin English
• Printable copyright tutorial for Wikimedia Commons available in 51 langauges
• Plagarism handout