Copyright – Keeping it Legal A guide for educators and students

What is Copyright? What is Copyright Infringement? Copyright law covers the reproduction of protected material. What is Copyright Infringement? Copyright infringement occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner.  A few examples from the classroom could be: printing copies of a copyrighted work including copyrighted content in a slideshow presentation posting copyrighted content on the school website

Complying with Copyright Laws – Why bother It is the right thing to do. To set a good example for our students. Because you could face penalty and punishment including: payment of damages and profits. payment for all attorney’s fees and court costs. an injunction to stop the infringing acts. impounding the illegal works. JAIL TIME.

Exceptions for Educators Face to Face - The copyright law gives teachers a great deal of leeway when using materials during face to face teaching time. Fair Use - Fair use is an exception to the exclusive protection of copyright under American law. It allows certain limited uses without permission from the author or owner.

How can you determine Fair Use The purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes; The nature of the copyrighted work; The portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole The effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work

If you determine Fair Use how much can you use? Text - Up to 10% of a copyrighted work or 1000 words, whichever is less Musical Composition - Up to 10% of a copyrighted musical composition, but no more than 30 seconds and alterations cannot change the basic melody or the fundamental character of the work. Film - Up to 10% of a copyrighted work or 3 minutes, whichever is less and the clip cannot be altered in any way.

How does Copyright affect Student projects? Students also have to follow the law with regards to copyright. However student can use the same Fair Use exemptions if they meet the criteria mentions previously. Students may retain copies of their projects in a student portfolio. It is important to note that both students and teachers should give credit with proper citation to the creator of content that has been used.

Closing Thoughts The copyright law gives teachers a great deal of leeway when using materials during face to face teaching time. If you are not comfortable using a primary source you can always select different one or change your use or it by linking to it or using it in face to face instruction.