Copyright What Educators Should Know

What is Copyright?  Copyright is a property right granted to authors of original work  The purpose is to protect and promote creativity

Fair Use Law for Educators  Fair use guidelines were developed to clarify the rights of educators to copy or use materials for educational purposes.  In order for Fair Use to apply the material being used must be directly related to an educational objective.

Fair Use Applies TO  Videos  Printed Materials  Graphics (any visual image)  Audiovisual (sound, motion picture, projected images)  Software  Satellite  Internet  Multimedia

Videos in the Classroom Classroom use of a copyrighted video is permissible only when all of the following conditions are met:

It must be shown in relation to face-to-face teaching activities. The entire audience must be involved in the teaching activity. It must be shown in a classroom or similar instructional area. The audience is in the same room. It is a closed space with a single classroom of students. The teaching activities are conducted in a non-profit, educational setting. It may not be shown for entertainment or reward. The video has not been illegally made or copied.

Guidelines  Must be previewed by the personnel using it.  Must have instructional value and objectives for the use of it, and it must be included in the teacher’s lesson plans.  Must not be used solely to entertain students.  Must follow copyright procedures as established by county regulations and state and federal laws.  Must be property of the school system.  Must be used in face-to-face instruction with one class, unless public performance rights are held.

Video ? and Answer Q: “It’s raining outside. May I use a video for recess?” A: No. Using a video for entertainment is a violation of the Fair Use guidelines. Q: “Can the Media Specialist show a video over the closed circuit system at school?’ A: This is considered public performance. It can only be done if the school owns public performance rights for the video. Q: “My students have been good all week. May we have a movie and popcorn on Friday?” A: You may have the popcorn, but showing a video for reward is a violation of the Fair Use guidelines.

Printed Materials  Educators may copy  A single copy of a chapter from a book.*  A single copy of an article from a magazine or newspaper*  A single copy of a short essay, short poem, or short story*  Educators may not copy  Consumable materials, i.e. workbooks  To keep from buying  The same item for sequential marking periods *Must be destroyed after the teaching opportunity.

Software  When you purchase software (computer games or programs) you are not actually buying the program. You are buying the right to use a copy of it.  Software may not be installed on more than one computer in a school unless the school owns a site license for it.

Graphics  Educators may use graphics from a program that has been purchased (Print Shop, Clip Gallery, etc.) to enhance presentations, newsletters, bulletin boards, etc.  Educators may not  Change the format, i.e. “blowing up” the graphic  Create a hand drawn imitation  Copy more than one from a book or periodical  Copy more than 9 graphics for the course

Who is Accountable?  Teachers, Media Specialists, Administrators, School Boards  All equipment in a school is considered “supervised.” Therefore, if it is used to violate copyright law we are all responsible.  You are liable if you should have known about it.

Is It Worth It?  $250--$10,000 per infringement  If the infringement is willful, the fines can be as high as $100,000  Violation of software copyright is a felony and carries fines up to $250,000 per infringement

This presentation covers only a portion of the copyright issues faced by educators. Your Media Specialist has special training in issues relating to copyright. If you are in doubt, ask for advice.

Why is it Important? We are working to produce “Caring and Responsible Learners,” so it is our job to model responsible behavior.