In this present age of copyright, file-sharing and litigation, it is refreshing to find someone leading a new approach to the public use of multimedia. The capacity for information technology to adapt, reshape and recreate ideas has been recognised by the Beastie Boys, who have freely released their rap tracks acapella as a way of encouraging their fans to create something new from their work. A link to the site has been posted below.

http://www.beastieboys.com/remixer/

What does this mean for schools? Well it's not only the Beastie Boys who are releasing their work under Commons Licenses. Photographers, film-makers and artists are doing the same in an effort to assist the creativity of others. Seeking out Creative Commons content to use in your teaching is a great way to avoid the headaches of wondering whether or not you're in breach of copyright. For more information about Creative Commons, check the link below.

http://www.smartcopying.edu.au/scw/go/pid/956

Happy mixing!