1. Distance Learning Copyright Laws
2. Print Media Copyright Laws
3. Seeking Permission to Use Copyrighted Materials
Distance Learning
With the growth of distance learning education, it is becoming increasingly important to be aware of the copyright laws that are specific to this area. The four basic criteria of Fair Use typically apply. Those criteria are: 1)purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes, 2) nature of copyrighted work, 3) amount an sustainability of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole, and 4) the effect of the use on the potential market for value of the copyrighted work. While the courts make a definite decision, educators have a lot of autonomy when it comes to material usage.
There are some specific criteria that applies to distance learning that educators should be aware of.
1) Off-air recordings for nonprofit educational institutions should be deleted after 45 days
2) Off-air recordings cannot be altered
3) Broadcasting of copyrighted materials are allowed if:
a) broadcast is part of a systematic, ongoing instructional activity
b) is directly related and of material assistance to the teaching of content
c) transmission is received in classrooms only, or in similar settings normally devoted to teaching
d) broadcast is for enrolled students and conducted by a recognized educational institution
With class recordings becoming more prominent, educators must make sure to get the proper approval. If not, this is copyright infringement. Along with not getting prior approvals, not deleting recordings after 45 days is probably the most common oversight that educators make.
Print Media
Teachers may make 1 copy of print materials (book chapters, articles, essay, ect) for educational usage. Fair use for multiple copies in this context is defined by: 1 illustration, 250 words, 2 lines from a poem. Teachers may also not print more copies than students. The teacher must also initiate the copying, it cannot be forced or required upon them. The materials may also not be copied in lieu of purchasing original copies.
I think many educators are not aware of the copy thresholds when it comes to violating copyright laws. Becoming aware of these can not only stop teachers from violating, but also assist them with lesson planning and assignments. By knowing the amount of content and materials they can use, teachers can become more effective facilitators in their classrooms.
Being aware of copyright laws are important for educators. By following the guidelines, they can become more efficient and effective instructors.
Reference
Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J.B. (2015). Teaching and learning with technology (5 th ed.). Boston: Pearson
