Response to Copyright Trackstar

I feel that this Trackstar is a bit outdated, seeing as it was created in 2005. I think that Trackstar is good but as long as the links are kept updated, it could make navigating and getting the information required fairly easy to do all off of one collected spot.

1. Teacher's Guide to Fair Use and Copyright

• this link was broken and was unable to work, so I cannot answer the questions from information supposed to be found on this site (however, these questions can be answered mostly by subsequent sides)

2. Copyright Unites States Copyright Office

• What is copyright and who does it protect?
• "Copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted by law for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Copyright covers both published and unpublished works." It "protects original works of authorship including literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works".
• What is not protected under copyright?
• "facts, ideas, systems, or methods of operation"
• Are copyrights automatically secured?
• Yes.
• Do you have to register for copyrights?
• Whoever made this WebQuest did not spellcheck, because "register" is spelled "register" not "registar".
• It is a good idea to register for copyrights so that you are protected, but it is not a requirement.

3. Code of Professional Ethics for Teachers: Use Technology in the Elementary Setting

• I thought this would be a good link to use because it directly relates to education (although in the elementary setting) but unfortunately this link is broken as well.

4. 10 Big Myths About Copyrights Explained

• What year was everything protected and copyrighted?
• Everything after April 1, 1989 was protected and copyrighted regardless of if there was notice of such an occurrence or not. "you should assume for other people's works is that they are copyrighted and may not be copied unless you know otherwise"
• Can you lose copyright protection without notice?
• No, copyright can never be loss unless the person who has it copyrighted gives that right away.
• What symbol represents copyrighted material?
• Trademarks may exist for copyright (names of companies for example) but the symbol, depending if in text, online, etc can be the symbol of the C with the circle around it, or (C), or followed with the "All Rights Reserved".
• What does PD stand for?
• "public domain" for "non-commercial use"

5. Cyberbee

• What is a copyright?
• "Copyright is the law of the United States that protects the works of authors, artists, composers, and others from being used without permission."
• What is "fair use"?
• "Fair use protects the rights of the public to limited use of copyrighted materials."
• "Fair use allows you to use a limited amount of copyrighted material for your educational use."
• "Does it have a nonprofit educational purpose?"
• "What kind of material do you want to use?"
• "Are you using only a small portion?"
• "Will your use deprive the author from making money?"
• Where can you find copyright laws?
• There is no specific link to this.
• Can you use music downloads without permission? 
• Songs are copyrighted but there are limitations for their use without permission.

Depending what this WebQuest is geared toward, even though it states Middle/HighSchool/College in the Trackstar, the sites could be useful at different capacities. For example, the fifth source is excellent for children because it is in the Question/Answer format and very to the point. The more "technical site" would be  the 2nd source which may have any and all scenarios and in-depth questions/answers.

Overall, it is important to give credit where credit is due and to not get yourself into any legal or financial trouble for copyright purposes. With the age of technology, this is something that is fairly common or seems to be an issue that needs to be given attention to.