Copyright Awareness

As educators, we must be mindful of copyright laws so that we are not violating those laws in our classrooms.  Ignorance to copyright laws can lead to your school being sued for violation.  As I became aquainted with copyright law and the fair use policy, I realized that educators can be in violation if they don't request permission to use materials or if they use too much of a specific material. 

Due to budget constraints and advanced techology, educators are more prone to copyright violations.  The violations are not limited, but include:

1. The use of multimedia images, pictures, and videos.  The use of motion media must be limited to ten percent or three minutes.  When photos are used, less than five images may be used from a photographer and if collective works are used, no more than ten percent or fifteen images can be used (whichever is less).
2. Reproducing copies of materials to distribute.  Under the fair use provision, teachers are able to reproduce materials for classroom use with out a license or permission from the owner, but they are not permitted to copy complete pieces.
3. Requesting permission from owners to use materials.  Teachers must request permission  to use educational materials when the use falls outside of the available exemptions

Since technology has become an essential part of education, I feel as if the top two issues regarding copyright law relate to the use of multimedia images, pictures, and videos, and the reproduction of materials to distribute.  Since these items are easily accessible from the Internet, it is imperative that educators stay connected with copyright law.  Consequently, if educators keep these issues in mind and follow copyright laws, they will set a standard for their students to follow and will ensure that their institutions are protected from legal situations.  From reading about copyright laws I realized that in the past, I have been in violation without knowing.  It is important for us to continue to research these laws as we implement technology into our curriculums.