The Derive Copy function in Connexions allows you to create a derivative work that is based on any published module. A derivative work starts with a copy of an existing module, to which you make changes and then publish as your own module. The Derive Copy process is not a method of collaboration. If you want to recommend changes to an author of an existing module, use the Suggest Edits function.

Derivative works are permitted under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which applies to all the Connexions content. When you publish a derived copy, Connexions automatically adds an attribution statement that identifies the original work and its author, which is legally required by the Creative Commons Attribution License.

There are two primary uses for the Derive Copy function:

• Creating a new module by using an existing module as a template. For example, you find an existing module that is constructed in a similar way to a module you intend to create. You can create a derived copy and use it as a starting point for your new module.
• Creating a module that is similar to an existing module, but with some changes. For example, you find an existing module that you want to use in your new course, but you want some changes in the module first and you do not have permission to modify the module. You contact the original author and suggest your changes. The original author is not sympathetic to your suggestions because they take the module in a direction that does not match their intent for the module. You feel strongly about getting your changes out to the world, so you create a derived copy of the module, insert your changes, and publish it as your own module.

You create a derived copy from the module editor, in your workspace or a workgroup.

1. Search the Content Commons for the module you want to copy.
2. Add the module to your workspace or workgroup.
3. Click on the module title to open the module editor.
4. Click Derive Copy under the "Actions" heading in the "Status" sidebar. The "Derive a Copy from" screen displays.
5. Select the check box at the bottom of the screen to signify that you agree to the application of the Content Commons Attribution license to your new module.
6. Click Yes, Create Copy. The "File" tab of the module editor displays, listing the derived copy. At this point the new module is in the created state, in your workspace or workgroup.

All the content in the new module is exactly the same as the content in the original module. The metadata is the same, except for the roles. The roles now show you as an author, maintainer, and copyright holder in addition to the accounts from the original module. You can edit the content of the module, its files, metadata, roles, and links as necessary, just as you can for any module that you create. You may submit a request to remove the original authors from the module, but they will have to approve the request like any other role change.

When you publish your derived copy module, Connexions automatically adds a statement to the module that gives attribution to the original module and author. This statement is a link to the original module, so the reader can view the module on which your derived copy was based.