Copyright Issues

For Staff Development

by Cynthia Alvarado

media specialist

Dearborn Public Schools, Dearborn, Michigan

Unit Focus

Due to the dramatic increase in information available in digital formats, intellectial property rights are more difficult to understand than ever. This unit will focus on determining what is acceptable fair use of other people's intellectual property in the classroom. Failure to understand these guidelines can lead to criminal prosecution for copyright violation. Copyright violation, contrary to popular belief, is stealing. It can cost you lots of time and money!

1. How does copyright apply to materials in the classroom?

2. How can I determine if what I want to use in my classroom constitutes "fair use"?

What We Will Learn

Learners will:

1.Examine a variety of sites explaining "fair use" of materials in the classroom and identify the main components that consitiute "fair use".

2. Apply the principles of "fair use" to classroom scenarios.

3. Formulate a statement of the "fair use" policy for the classroom.

What Will Be Assessed

Each learner will submit a "fair use" policy suitable for classroom use.

The policy will include

A statement of the four factors of "fair use".
Guidelines explaining the application of "fair use" to activities and and assignments encountered in your classroom.

What is "fair use"?

Visit 2 or more of the links below and identify the four factors of "fair use".

A Teacher's Guide to Fair Use

University of Texas Fair Use

PBS Fair Use

What are the four factors of "fair use".

Answers

How does "fair use" apply in the classroom?

Read the following institutional examples of "fair use".

University of Texas "Fair Use" Guidelines

Jeffco Schools-Copyright Guidelines

Read the following summary of copyright myths.

Ten Copyright Myths

Apply the information in the previous web pages to the scenarios below. Try to come to you own conclusion before reading the answers given on the web site.

CETUS "Fair Use" Scenarios

Show What You Know

Now is the time to show how much you have learned. formulate a "fair use" policy for your classroom. Be sure to include the four factors of "fair use" and examples of what is acceptable and unacceptable using typical classroom situations.

If you want feedback, submit your policy to this link.

Resources

For further information, check out the pages below.

Title 17- Copyright Law

Intellectual Property and Technology Forum

Go Back To McCollough/Unis Media Staff

General Information E-Mail

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