Copyright Laws for Schools

Knowledge of copyright laws and how they pertain to the classroom saves educators from costly infringement issues and still allows for an enriched learning environment. Understanding the laws regarding fair use and the restrictions placed around copyrighted materials also protects teachers in non-profit educational institutions. Via thorough education regarding these laws, teachers may make better decisions in regards to which copyrighted materials to use.

Materials Must Support Curriculum

The Teach Act of 2002 and fair use guidelines of the copyright code protects your right to use any medium of lawfully acquired materials. Any copyrighted material may be used, including but not limited to music, movies, art, and literature, as long as there is mediated instruction surrounding the material and it is supported by your curriculum. Mediated instruction includes lectures, handouts, and projects.

All Materials Must Be Legally Obtained

Lawfully obtaining the materials is key here. You will not be protected if you gained access to the materials via illegal downloading, through sites such as Limewire, or copying the materials, through ripping of CDs or DVDs, from another, regardless of the medium and the source. You may legally obtain copies of music or movies through rental or purchase, this includes purchasing through mediums such as iTunes.

Limit Transmission To Only Your Students

Lastly, you must make every effort to market and transmit the materials to only your currently enrolled students, whether in face-to-face instruction or distance learning. If the materials are put online, be sure to password protect the files, so only students in your class may access them. Do not put them on open network servers as the general public may access these. You must be certain that your students are not illegally copying and sharing the materials as well as that makes you and the student liable for the infringement. To do this, have students first sign waivers, which may act a legal protection for you, and limit the time period in which students may access the materials. Both methods help cover your liability.

References

• American Distance Education Consortium: Fair Use
• University of Texas: The Teach Act