Ryan Ridgely 10/29/2012 Copyright and the use of video in the classroom.

 The use of video is a great strategy for teachers to expand upon the content of their lessons.  Its important for teachers to understand how copyright law affects the use of these materials in the classroom.  Breaking the copyright on films and videos could potentially cost the school district money and cause legal issues for the teacher.  The good news is that most common types of video usage are legal in the classroom.

 Video and other copyrighted content is protected by the Federal Copyright Act. This law determines how people are legally entitled to use copyrighted material.  Schools and other educational organizations are given special rights under the law.  Many of these laws are commonly known as “face to face instruction” benefits.  In the next few slides you will see examples of how copyright law protects educational use of videos in the classroom.

 Usage 1 ◦ A US History teacher chooses to play clips of the film “Glory” when discussing the battles of the Civil War. ◦ The teacher brings a DVD that was purchased themselves and plays certain clips. ◦ Is this Legal?

 Yes playing the film would be legal.  Playing films as part of a lesson is protected under the Federal Copyright Act.  In order to be legal, all of the following must be met: ◦ A teacher or instructor is present. ◦ The showing takes place in a classroom setting. ◦ The movie is used as an essential part of the curriculum. ◦ The movie being used is a legitimate copy.

 A World History teacher saw a great documentary on the History Channel about WWII. The teacher recorded it onto a VHS tape and wants to use it during their class tomorrow.  Is this legal?

 Yes playing the recorded show is legal.  The Federal Copyright Act states that programming recorded off of broadcasts available to the public can be used in the classroom if the following criteria are met: ◦ The video must be shown within 10 days of it being recorded. ◦ The clip can only be played twice. ◦ Do not edit the video. Commercials must be left in but can be fast forwarded. ◦ The video must be destroyed after 45 days. ◦ Some stations will often offer educators more rights.(PBS, History, ect.)

 A US History teacher found a great video on YouTube about the United States’ entrance into Vietnam. He wants to use the clip in class.  Is this legal?

 Yes playing the video from YouTube is legal.  The usage is protected under the same copyright laws as DVD movies.  Many educational videos on YouTube and similar sources have “Creative Commons” licenses. This means they can be used freely by nonprofit organizations.