What's the big deal of copyright?

What are our responsibilities and resources regarding copyright knowledge in education?

I have to say copyright is one of those grey areas that at least in my classes was mentioned but not taught so well. I came away each time thinking “so we can or we can’t?” But what is the big deal with trying to figure out what you can use and what you can print? LAWSUITS.

With the jump in technology so much is at our fingertips and we are so eager to use everything we can in our classroom to help drive our point home or keep our students entertained. Yet rarely do we understand that we must credit sources or watch out for material that is not free to use. It is our responsibility to give credit where its due or else we are “stealing” someone’s hard work.

First, it is important to know that anything posted on the internet is automatically copyrighted. Give credit to anything you take. Also, there are websites that allow you to check if you have permission to use it. Many times you can avoid copyrighting by posting a link rather than printing out the resources. Now there are instances when certain circumstances arise that you may share and distribute work. The following are most likely allowable under fair use:  

• copying reasonable portions of longer works for

your class;

• copying a timely article (or one you’ve recently

discovered that is relevant for your class) when

it’s unreasonable to expect a sufficiently rapid

reply to a request for permission; and

• copying a graphic or an image from a work

to display in your lectures.

Also, there are four pillars that must be considered when debating whether or not it is fair to use or distribute the materials. An acronym PNAM can help you remember the needed checklist: What is the Purpose, the Nature of Use, the Amount of work, and how does it affect the market.

Some restrictions have been eased thanks to the TEACH ACT of 2002. It “provides educators with a separate set of rights in addition to fair use, to display (show) and perform (show or play) others' works in the classroom. These rights are in Section 110(1) of the Copyright Act and apply to any work, regardless of the medium.”

Now what about if you wanted to put your work out there and ensure that it is correctly copyrighted? Creative Commons helps create licenses and is very user friendly for those looking to license their work that they wish to share. This website also provides a search engine if your are looking for creative works.

To check out some free digital media there are many websites. There are resources to find free photos, educational resources, and other educational materials.