Teaching students basic copyright rules & etiquette is a life skill that should not be overlooked. Part of this includes teaching students about using images from the internet.
Usually, Google is the first place students (and adults!) go when they are searching for an image. However, it is not always the best resource. Just because an image appears in a Google search DOES NOT mean that students have permission to use it. In fact, most of the images that appear in a basic Google image search are not licensed for free use.
Other websites offer free images and videos for modification and reuse - even commercially. Some of these sites do not even require attribution, but it is appreciated. Below are some of my favorites.
1. PIXABAY
Pixabay is usually my go-to when I am searching for an image or video to use in a presentation or for a project. The images are absolutely beautiful and most are also high resolution. Use the search box to find specific items or search broader topics for a wide variety - you are sure to find stunning results! Pixabay does not require attribution - even for commercial use.
According to the website, "Pixabay is a vibrant community of creatives, sharing copyright free images and videos. All contents are released under Creative Commons CC0, which makes them safe to use without asking for permission or giving credit to the artist - even for commercial purposes."
Usually, Google is the first place students (and adults!) go when they are searching for an image. However, it is not always the best resource. Just because an image appears in a Google search DOES NOT mean that students have permission to use it. In fact, most of the images that appear in a basic Google image search are not licensed for free use.
Other websites offer free images and videos for modification and reuse - even commercially. Some of these sites do not even require attribution, but it is appreciated. Below are some of my favorites.
1. PIXABAY
Pixabay is usually my go-to when I am searching for an image or video to use in a presentation or for a project. The images are absolutely beautiful and most are also high resolution. Use the search box to find specific items or search broader topics for a wide variety - you are sure to find stunning results! Pixabay does not require attribution - even for commercial use.
According to the website, "Pixabay is a vibrant community of creatives, sharing copyright free images and videos. All contents are released under Creative Commons CC0, which makes them safe to use without asking for permission or giving credit to the artist - even for commercial purposes."
2. STOCKIO
Stockio is another resource to find free photos, icons, fonts, and videos! Attribution of these images is appreciated, but not required. Find fonts and icons for your website, or search for beautiful, high resolution videos. This site has it all!
According to the website, "Whether you’re looking for stunning professional photos, high quality, editable vectors, stand-out icons, or unique videos, you will find your inspiration at Stockio."
Stockio is another resource to find free photos, icons, fonts, and videos! Attribution of these images is appreciated, but not required. Find fonts and icons for your website, or search for beautiful, high resolution videos. This site has it all!
According to the website, "Whether you’re looking for stunning professional photos, high quality, editable vectors, stand-out icons, or unique videos, you will find your inspiration at Stockio."
3. UNSPLASH
Unsplash photos offers beautiful photos by a generous group of talented photographers. Users can search by categories such as nature, food & drink, fashion, and more. When users click to download an image, a text box states, "Crediting isn't required, but is appreciated and allows photographers to gain exposure."
Unsplash photos offers beautiful photos by a generous group of talented photographers. Users can search by categories such as nature, food & drink, fashion, and more. When users click to download an image, a text box states, "Crediting isn't required, but is appreciated and allows photographers to gain exposure."
Unsplash also has an add-on available in Google Slides. This add-on allows users to quickly search and insert photos from their library into any Slides presentation.
4. GOOGLE
Now, if you do decide to use Google rather than one of the sources above, there is an easy trick to filter and only view images that are licensed for reuse or modification. First, search for an image. For example, search for "puppy". Then, click the Images tab and then the Tools button.
Now, if you do decide to use Google rather than one of the sources above, there is an easy trick to filter and only view images that are licensed for reuse or modification. First, search for an image. For example, search for "puppy". Then, click the Images tab and then the Tools button.
Once you click the Tools button a new menu will load. Select the Usage rights down drop. Click Labeled for reuse with modification. "Labeled for reuse" grants permission to use the image commercially while the "Reuse with modification" option gives you the ability to alter the image.
Once you select the usage rights, a new set of images will load. Keep in mind, depending on the original source of the image, you might still need to give credit. When searching images on Google, the source can be found at the bottom of the thumbnail. If the source is Pixabay or another attribution free site, there is no need to give credit. Sources like Flickr, wikimedia, etc. offer free use but often require attribution.
Check out the whole process in GIF form!
HAPPY SEARCHING!
