A Beginner’s Guide to Using Creative Commons in the Classroom

Creative Commons in the Classroom: Respect, Remix, and Reuse

Have you ever found a great photo or video online and wondered if you could use it in your class project or teaching resource? Enter Creative Commons (CC), a system that allows creators to share their work legally and openly, giving others the freedom to use, remix, or adapt it.

What is Creative Commons?

Creative Commons licenses are tools that let creators set clear permissions for how their work can be used. These range from very open (public domain) to more restricted (no commercial use, no changes allowed).

Why it matters for teachers and students:

When you use CC-licensed content, you're respecting the original creator’s rights while enriching your own work with high-quality media. You’re also modeling ethical digital citizenship.

How to get started:

Visit creativecommons.org and try the License Chooser tool to license your own work.

Use the CC Search tool to find images, videos, and music you can legally use.

Always credit the creator, just like citing your sources in an essay.

Pro Tip: Teach students to look for the CC logo 🄯 on websites and resources. If they see it, it’s a green light to use, with care!

Creative Commons empowers educators and students to share knowledge responsibly. Let’s use it wisely and creatively!

The following is my CC Deed: 


This is the CC Legal Code:


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