Copyright law and fair use is not an easy subject to understand. Even the legal experts will tell you there are some grey areas. We’ve talked about it in class, but here is a quick go to guide covering the basics you need to know as you begin your on-line multimedia blog posts.

Check out this link of resources to find images and music that are available for use in your student productions.  The easiest way to get around all this confusion is to always create your own photos for use in your stories. As for music, well, not all of us have the talent to compose our own music so you may find more uses for these resources. But keep in mind we have talented composers among us, so perhaps with a little urging and agreeing to credit your source, a classmate may compose music to your specifications.

Copyright Free Resources

Enjoy your storytelling journey!

This morning over coffee I was talking with students about schedules, pros and cons of taking AP classes and lo and behold in my inbox this great article .

25 Things Every Young Professional Should Know by Age 25

There are many benefits to the classes we all take in school. Knowledge is indeed power and it enriches our lives, but as you will find it’s good ol common sense, courtesy, and practical knowledge that gets you through life.  Of the 25 on this list here are my favorite words to live by:

#25 I STILL struggle with this one. I do not know why, but to this day always have to spell check it. Since it’s on the list makes me feel better that it must be a tough one for more people than me.

#21 Yes! Constructive criticism is meant to help, not hurt. Take it and use it.

#19 Double, triple Yes! When someone takes the time to give of THEIR time, show a little respect. Pay attention. Save multi-tasking for your time alone.

#14 Always find time for things that you enjoy like hobbies and interests. It makes life a lot more fun.

#13 The Thank You note has sadly become a lost art. My mother got me writing thank you notes as soon as I was old enough to hold a pencil in my hand.  Thank you notes take so little time, but mean a lot to the recipient. Especially when it comes to receiving gifts, a thank you note not only acknowledges receipt of the gift, but shows appreciation. I can not over stress the value of a thank you note. Also, send one after you have JOB INTERVIEWS…. BELIEVE ME, you will stand out as a star among other applicants if you follow up your interview with a thank you note. Highly memorable.

#12 Always. Period. always ask. Worst they can say is no., but the up side, more money!

#9 True.

#2 Doing nothing and watching life pass you by has a guaranteed outcome. Take risks, try new things. Be a life-learner. It makes the journey more fun.

Still looking for an idea for your documentary or one of your last SNO stories? How about embarking on the Lexington Visitors Center Big Lex Scavenger Hunt?

Read all about it here. Get the cutout and set out to discover Lexington, win a prize and document your journey in photos and video! Win! Win! Win! Looks fun.

Big Lex Scavenger Hunt

What do you want to be when you grow up? Do you hate that question? Does it put you on the spot and leave you dazed and confused?  You are not alone.

You may have heard the saying that if you find something you love and make it your career you will never work a day in your life.  A great way to start getting a sense of what career may match your interests is taking a short interest survey. Ones like this put you in a couple categories based on what you like. Within each of those categories are suggested careers.

Click on the purple “I want to be” to get to the page to start the interest inventory survey.

NYT: Interest Survey

My interest categories are Artistic and Social which my past career in television and my new career as a teacher fall into.  Take the survey.  Tell  us what your interest category is in the comments.

Talk about tenacity.  This is a must read article.  A 9-year-old with a nose for news is showing up her adult counterparts in the news business by breaking the stories people are talking about in her hometown.

This little girl has a bright future ahead of her because she has drive, ambition, and curiosity!  She is also fearless. She clearly isn’t afraid of failing and is brushing all her critics aside because she is doing what makes her happy. Isn’t that ultimately what matters, being happy?!

So read the article and take a nod from Hilde. Carpe Diem! Seize the Day!  Pursue the goals that will make you happy.

Washington Post Article

Remember our 6 Word Stories at the beginning of the school year? They occasionally have 6-word contests.  The current one is creating a 6-word story for your first day as president.

This could be fun. Write one and respond on their social media sites/ or respond in the comment section here.

This could be fun!

6 Word Contest: First Day as President

Could you use 5-grand? Then try this video challenge for a chance to win. Click on the link for more information as well as links to  videos that have won in the past for inspiration.

iWitness Challenge

Do you love a good podcast but wish they had visuals? Well here is a two for one. Check out the PBS Digital Studio’s series Blank on Blank: Famous Names, Lost Interviews

Blank on Blank

The people interviewed are famous, the topics are great and the animation they have added is entertaining.

Worth the listen… and the viewing!

Old habits die hard. That’s why it never hurts to take a refresher course. Here is a nice article with 7 Steps for shooting a memorable Smartphone Biography.

7 Tips

No matter what the device you use, smartphone, tablet, HD camera, or DSLR.. the advice is good!