JT_1_Plagiarism & Copyright

Plagairism is using the work of someone else or work from a prior, separate purpose and claiming it as
your original work for a specific assigned purpose.
The three most common misconceptions of plagiarism reflected in the work of Governors of Acadia
University (2004-2008) are:
1. Paraphrasing is not plagiarism. This is inaccurate because even if the work is paraphrased, it
must be properly credited (cited) to the person with the original idea.
2. Copying short phrases or short wording from another source is not plagiarism. Academic
honesty requires credit to the original author using quotation marks for phrases, sentences
or passages which are included directly from another author.
3. Web-based resources are part of the public domain if they are available through common
search engines. Actually, it is necessary to cite any work which was produced by another
individual so you do not misrepresent someone elses ideas as your own. Be careful when
using web-based resources as cut and paste is easily accomplished through electronic
media and a citation may not be recorded as the work is being developed. Information in
the public domain does not need to be cited but must meet the accurate criteria for public
domain.
Given the importance of collaboration for knowledge expansion, it is critical to cite the sources of
original work along your journey for the current work. In this way, someone else can also consider the
sources and build on the ideas in a complimentary or opposing manner. The quote regarding
homogenizing our youth through the school system processing (Wesch, 2007) is a huge concern as I
reflect on my sons education and the cultures of schools. Being employed in a school system for thirty
years along with my currently employment in a professional program in higher education, the thought of
attempting to create homogeneity versus supporting diverse thinking is accurate but devastating.
Diversity is a blessing, as 100s of Mini-Mes (King, 1999) (including Mini-Joans) would be boring. If
everyone thought alike, the expansion of knowledge would grind to a halt.
Copyright refers to the rights and responsibilities of an individual, group of individuals or organization
who produces or develops print or recorded media. The government protects these rights. Thus it is
unlawful and unethical to distribute materials from another source unless permission is granted or it is
covered by fair use or in the public domain. According to the Copyright Clearance Center [CCC](2009)
fair use is determined based on the following four considerations: 1) Purpose and character of the use;
2) The nature of the work 3) The amount and substantiality of the use and 4) The effect of the use on
the market . Fair use may include commentary, parody, news reporting, scholarly research and
education (CCC, 2009). The information presented in this course also informed me that materials
created by governments are also part of the public domain.
In reflection, I have learned that I need to review the materials I have used/am using on the LMS for the
courses I teach. I need to determine if the references and links which I have included are proper
according to the copyright laws.
Copyright Clearance Center. (Producer). 2009. Copyright basics video [video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.copyright.com/content/cc3/en/toolbar/education/resources/copyright_basics1.html
Governors of Acadia University. (Producer). 2004-2008. You quote it, you note it [video file]. Vaughan
Memorial Library, Acadia University. Retrieved from http://library.acadiau.ca/tutorials/plagiarism/
King, S. (1999, June 18). Austins Mini-Me Making Big Name for Troyer. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved
from http://articles.latimes.com/1999/jun/18/entertainment/ca-47622
Wesch, M. 2007. Rethinking education [video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xb5spS8pmE&feature=youtube_gdata_player