Remixing Media Lesson Plan

Intellectual Property
Internet & Mobile
Media Production

Level: Grades 10 to12

About the Author: Matthew Johnson, Director of Education, MediaSmarts

Duration: Two hours plus assessment/evaluation activities

This lesson is part of USE, UNDERSTAND & CREATE: A Digital Literacy Framework for Canadian Schools.

Overview

In this lesson, students examine different types of remixes – from works created by editing a single text to ones that draw inspiration from existing texts – in order to develop a definition of “remix.” They learn about the legal considerations in making remixes under the Copyright Act, consider ethical issues around remixing, and develop a code of best practices for remixing. Students will also consider the differences between remixes that are primarily creative versus those that are done for purposes of criticism, and create their own critical remix.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Consider how artists and critics draw on existing texts in their work
  • Learn and apply legal terms and concepts relating to intellectual property and media creation
  • Consider ethical issues around use of intellectual property and develop a code of ethics for its use in remixes
  • Analyze different types of remixes
  • Analyze different purposes of remixes
  • Create a media text that draws on their learning about remixes and serves as a critical work on a social or political issue
  • Write an expository text that explains their thought and process in creating their media text

This lesson and all associated documents (handouts, overheads, backgrounders) are available in an easy-print, pdf kit version.

Lesson Kit