Creative Commons......Why should I share?

Of all the websites I have visted, I never noticed the Creative Common symbol or (CC).  I am too busy trying to find information I need to and for students to use.  Learning about copyrights on any medium, its always the same rule, "Don't use unless you have permission."  I don't use any person's work unless I site it.  Any art work I may use, I don't want to re-create it or be paid for it.  I don't want any phone calls from lawyers.  Having students putting the (CC) on their work will excite them to show they might not want anyone to reuse their work.  It might give them pride showing their work is protected from being copied unless they give permission.  They could be generous and have their work be use for educational purposes but leaving it up to the students will give them a chance to make an important decision.

When I find any images on any website, I only use them as examples to make sure students understand the lesson I'm trying to teach them.  With ESOL, the students need visuals to understand what is being taugt.  For videos, I go to United Streaming on the Discovery site.  Its a good site since all other video sites are blocked.  Again, I only use for my students for learning purposes.

If I had an educational website, I would love to share my lessons with others.  I try to come up with hands-on and engaging lessons that are beneficial for all students.  I could see in my students' faces that they are bored with books and worksheets.  So bringing something exciting for all to try would bring teaching back to life.  As far as owning teaching materials, I only get ideas from the stories in the Pearson Reading Street Series.  I know teachers have created PowerPoints for other teachers to use that goes with the series.  I would like to make sure if I use any stories that it is okay through our reading series.  Again, I don't want lawyers to be calling me.  I can see some of the negatives for (CC), I would want to know how my ideas or projects are being used if its not for the intended lesson.  For me,  If I want to protect, I will not display it on line unless I want all to use it for educational purposes.