Do you remember 1992’s classic video, “Don’t Copy That Floppy” (DCTF)? As part of the Software & Information Industry Association’s (SIIA) ongoing effort to help teachers educate K-12 students about the ethical and legal use of copyrighted materials, the Education Division has revamped the sequel to DCTF with “Don’t Copy That 2 – School Version”.
Don’t Copy That 2 – School Version is a fun-to-watch rap music video that addresses the dangers of engaging in piracy and the importance of respecting the creative output of others. SIIA also has developed accompanying classroom resources that include support materials for the video, lesson plans for middle and high school teachers, a glossary, and other helpful resources for educators teaching these complex and important concepts.
The course materials include many of the same concepts for both middle and high school students, but use age-appropriate methods. 
In addition, the lesson plans serve as models that educators can customize to their students’ needs, and the learning materials have been designed as a series of presentations, discussions and student activities.
“With piracy levels reaching all time highs, it is essential that the younger generation understand both the risks of piracy and the value of respecting and encouraging creativity and innovation,” commented Keith Kupferschmid, General Counsel and SVP, Intellectual Property Policy & Enforcement for SIIA, on the decision to create Don’t Copy That 2 – School Version. “The video and lesson plans are intended to place students in the shoes of artists, authors and other creators so they may better understand how it feels when someone spends long hours creating something valuable, only to see it being stolen.”
The materials were created with the support of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), aligning to the organization’s NETS Standards.
The video and classroom resources can be downloaded for free at dontcopythat2.com. In conjunction with edWeb.net, SIIA also is hosting a video screening and live discussion on the need to educate students on this hot-button issue. The screening and discussion are scheduled for Tuesday, March 8 at 4 p.m. EST. To register, visit http://bit.ly/gXOgFi.
Have you discussed intellectual property rights in your home or classroom? What else have you done to inform students on this issue?