Middle+School+Science+Wikis+(Shamim,+Donette,+Julie,+Auste)

The Situation is.............
A group of students complete a science project on the class wiki. A teacher from a neighboring state views the project and wants permission to use two graphics from the project and give credit to the students for their work. What shoud the student's teacher advise them to do?

How do we view this request?
On the surface, it seems like this is an innocent request for information from a professional individual looking for information. To be sure, I would work to verify the persons identity and speak to the school they are teaching at, as well as, the teacher personally. Once their identity is well-established; I would send a letter to the student's parents explaining the request and the outcome of my research into the identity of the teacher. At that point, I think collaboration with the parents is key. If they give their permission,which I make sure I take in writting with their signatures, I would allow the exchange and would encourage the reference to my students be limited to first names and school only. I would also make sure what is my school and district policy on this matter.

I would also request a copy (or link to) the product that the teacher produces including the borrowed graphics.

I would talk through the situation with the student and explain that although we would not normally respond to someone that we do not know, as long as I could verify their identity and the parents were ok with the situation (and the student actually wants to respond), then it would be alright to respond. I would also make it clear that the student should let me know if the person contacts them about anything else even if it is as simple as to say "hi."