Digital Rights and User Agreements
April 12, 2022
Digital Rights & User Agreements- #109
What are Digital Rights?
When I think of digital rights, I think of an umbrella of multiple terms. I also think of the privileges and freedoms of the creator and the responsibilities of the end user (us as teachers).
We could have a whole article on just one specific term, but today we're going to focus on the digital rights of devices within our district.
Airtames in our District & Streaming Services
Okay, before we get started, I wanted to share some vocabulary.
- HDCP- High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection. HDCP is a form of Digital Rights Management. It is an anti-piracy protocol built right into the HDMI cable standard.
- DRM- Digital Rights Management. DRM protocols are designed to protect content creators and distributors against piracy.
Throughout our district, we have airtames in specific classrooms, campuses, and/or collaboration rooms. An Airtame works wirelessly with the projector that is located in that room.
An Airtame device is capable of streaming video files from your computer to an external screen. An Airtame is not capable of streaming content from Netflix, iTunes Movie, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc. Due to HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) and DRM (Digital Rights Management) the Airtame captures the content and determines if it can be displayed or not.
User Agreements for MWISD Devices and Self-Bought Applications
Devices (MWISD equipment) and online applications (Disney+, Netflix, etc.) have their own specific user agreements. When you choose to use MWISD's laptop and/or desktop and sign the user agreement or you choose to personally purchase Netflix, Disney+ you are agreeing to their terms of use.
Disney+
When you setup your first registration you agree to the Subscriber Agreement by clicking "Agree & Continue" during the Disney+ registration process and ratify your agreement when you use any aspect of the Disney+ Service. Click here to read information about the Disney+ Subscriber Agreement.
Netflix
When you register for Netflix you have accepted specific Terms of Use, which govern your use of their service. To find out what their Terms of Use are, click here to read more information.
Mineral Wells ISD
Go to www.mwisd.net ---> staff ---> staff intranet ---> login with your credentials ---> Human Resources Intranet ---> Employee Handbook 21-22. In this handbook you can find the Mineral Wells Independent School District Staff Acceptable Use Policy. You can find this specific issue under the Inappropriate Use section.
It's always a great idea to go back and review each acceptable use policy to make sure us, as the end users, are following protocol.
Wanting to Show Movies?
If you are wanting to show a movie within your classroom or campus I would suggest looking into Swank Movie and TV Licensing. A campus in our district already uses this company.
There are other companies out there and if you see one that you would like to use, please run it by the Technology Department for review.
Don't Forget About Discovery Education, DEX
Discovery Education Experience, DEX. DEX has 34,000 text resources, 641 channels, and 9,000 audio resources. They have updated their video player that now includes a transcript which increases accessibility for users who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. You can also choose your language, and you can break the video up into segments. You are now able to take a video and add questions throughout, start discussions, and poll your students- click here.
If you're needing help finding a resource, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Professional Development Opportunities Below
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Math Awareness Month in April
Digital Skills Math Collection allows you to learn digital skills while exploring Math concepts like fractions, percentages, and probability. Click here for the Digital Skills Math Collection.
MWISD Instructional Technology Specialist Mission:
As the Instructional Technology Specialist, I will strive to serve the academic and digital needs of our students and provide equitable opportunities to prepare students for our ever-changing global community.
I will strive to assist teachers in appropriately incorporating and implementing technology in their classroom by being available for one-on-one meetings, PLCs, staff meetings, and providing professional development that meets our teacher's technology needs.