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Videos & Images

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Finding & Using Images and Media

This guide brings together high-quality open media, Creative Commons search tools, and Jamaica/Caribbean digital collections to support teaching, learning, presentations, and multimedia assignments at Vector Technology Institute.

How to Use This Guide

  • For safe reuse in coursework and teaching: start with Openverse, Creative Commons Search, and Wikimedia Commons because they provide clearer licensing and attribution guidance.
  • For presentations and design projects: use Pexels, Pixabay, and Freepik (always verify the specific licence terms and attribution requirements).
  • For Jamaica/Caribbean context: include National Library of Jamaica Digital Collections and dLOC to ground assignments in regional primary sources.

1. Start Here: Open Media Search (Recommended First)

Use these tools to find media with clear reuse permissions for education and presentations.

  • Openverse – Search Creative Commons-licensed images and audio across many sources; always confirm the licence and attribution details on each item.
  • Creative Commons Search – Find CC-licensed images and media across platforms; useful when you need content you can legally reuse.
  • Wikimedia Commons – Large repository of freely usable images, audio, and video; licences vary by file, so check each item’s licence panel.
  • Digital Library of the Caribbean (dLOC) – Caribbean digitised materials and media; excellent for regional context, primary sources, and historical images.

2. Image Libraries (Photos, Illustrations and Design Assets)

Use these resources for UI/UX mockups, web design assignments, posters, flyers, and presentation visuals. Always verify licensing before publication.

  • Pexels – Free stock photos and videos; useful for design and web projects (review usage rules for each asset).
  • Pixabay – Free images, vectors, and videos; verify terms and attribution guidance where applicable.
  • Freepik – Graphics, icons, templates, and vectors; some content requires attribution or a licence—check per item.
  • Wikimedia Commons (diagrams & icons) – Excellent for diagrams, conceptual illustrations, and technology visuals with clear licensing.

Tip: For academic work, include attribution under figures/slides using the item title, creator, source URL, and licence (e.g., CC BY 4.0).

3. Video Learning and Educational Talks

Use these sources to reinforce concepts, support independent learning, and enrich class discussions. Quality varies by channel—use reputable creators and organisations.

  • TED – High-quality talks on technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, and design; best for enrichment and discussion prompts.
  • Vimeo (Creative Commons) – Creative Commons licensed videos (licences vary by creator); useful for educational video content.
  • YouTube – Tutorials and lectures; use trusted channels and verify credibility before citing or recommending.

4. Jamaica and Caribbean Digital Collections (Primary Sources)

These sources support assignments that require regional context, Caribbean history, and Jamaica-focused evidence for research, presentations, and projects.

Suggested use: Include these sources in technology-and-society assignments, entrepreneurship case studies, and projects that explore Jamaica/Caribbean development and innovation.

5. Media and Archive Collections (Supplementary)

These resources can support media studies, communications projects, and broader cultural context. Always confirm reuse permissions before downloading or republishing.

  • Archive of American Television – Oral history interviews and media archives; useful for communications and media research.
  • BBC Archive – Archive materials and clips (availability and reuse permissions vary by item and region).

6. Licensing and Attribution (Required for Academic Use)

Before using any image or video in coursework, teaching materials, or public projects, confirm the licence and provide attribution when required.

  • Check the licence on the specific item page (e.g., CC BY, CC BY-SA, CC0, or platform-specific terms).
  • Provide attribution where required: include title, creator, source link, and licence (example: “Image by Author, via Openverse, CC BY 4.0”).
  • When unsure, use Openverse/CC Search/Wikimedia Commons and select items with clear permissions.
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