U.S. Copyright Law
How does learning about the U.S. Copyright Law of 1976 help instructors?
This is a valuable resource - ThinkStock. There should be a list of resources that are clear for use. Educators are often pressed for time -- or allotted prep time for course delivery. With the advent of the internet hard to find information is easy to find -- which saves time -- but it can also be a roadblock - .
One of the major questions for me is the use of images in power points. There are charts and images available through Google -- generally on other educational sites and academic institutions -- Are the permissions used for one institution and fair use good for another.
This seems obvious to answer
'no" -- but I imagine that academia and fair use may be at play --
Marilyn,
I agree that I want to be a good example for my students. We teach them to not plagiarize and to always give credit, so we should do the same with items such as video clips, pictures, and other sources. When I use images provided by our book publishers I still cite those, but there are other items such as YouTube videos and some pictures in the courses that did not come from our ThinkStock accounts that have concerned me. I want to be a good citizen of the online educational environment so those will be addressed right away. I'm not sure if my students will even realize that this has been done. I have noticed that some pictures we have permission to use through ThinkStock are the same ones that can be downloaded online, but I feel much better knowing that through ThinkStock I have permission to use them and will not be violating any laws.
When I worked at another institution they had a team that would seek the permissions and I was not even sure what all they were seeking permissions for. Since I changed institutions I have no team and the faculty prepare lectures and items. I have been careful to always cite and reference materials, but have been worried that I may be violating some copyright laws since I have not been asking permission to use items like short YouTube clips and some pictures. I needed to understand the copyright laws to better protect myself and my institution. Now I feel better with what I have utilized and am sharing this information with faculty. Learning the law will help me be a more responsible instructor online.
It is important for instructors to learn about copyright laws so he/she will not violate any of the laws via instructional resources presented to students. This can prevent any possible lawsuits against the educational institution. Also, the instruction must understand the copyright law in order to enforce appropriate use by students.
Learning about the U.S. Copyright Law of 1976 helps instructors understand what the requirements are for reusing content. Instructors are aware of the requirements for using content in online courses.
Be aware of the law and how it applies to educators is very important to understand. Everyday educators are subjected to this law, especially when creating course materials. The same can be said when grading papers and students who utilize images, etc. within their work. Educators needs to understand the law so that they can uphold it and ensure they are teaching their students to do the same.
Phyllis,
Yes, we are trying to help students become good digital learners and positive members of the digital era which includes copyright.
Renee Shaffer
Hello Barry,
Yes,it is amazing.Increasing;y students who frequent the internet and participate in social media see so much exchanging of music and videos that it may never occur to them that some of this exchange or downloading could be violating copyright laws. There is a re-thinking process that has to occur when so much visual information is openly available on the internet. In the online environment, the opening live chat session should extend to include information about plagiarism and copyright violations of visual material.
The understanding the standards of the U.S. Copyright Laws of 1976 is beneficial to faculty because it presents legal complications that could ensue for them and their institutions. It is also important to know for the protection of faculty that has developed instructional material that may be able to copyright for its originality. The understanding of copyright laws by faculty benefits students as well. Many students are unaware of the legal restraints of copying copyrighted creative works from the internet and using them in written or creative projects. A clear understanding from the faculty standpoint benefits not only the faculty member but students and the educational institution.
Dr. Phyllis Gooden
Marilyn ,
So glad that you got something out of the course! Thanks for being in the class.
Renee Shaffer
We want to set good examples to our students. I was unaware of the times I have been violating the copyright laws. It is good to know all the background history about the laws.
To help utilize our resources, and respect other people's creativity (legally).
Michelle,
Thanks so much for the compliment. I tried to make the course worthwhile and the law more easy to understand!
Renee Shaffer
Jim,
Thanks so much for the compliment on my course. I tried to make it worthwhile for students.
Renee Shaffer
I too am so delighted to have this course available. Learning about the Copyright Law of 1976 is critical for instructors because of the wide use of technology and other materials in courses. In my experience there is not much training offered in how to avoid copyright infringement despite the widespread use of various outside resources in the learning environment. Learning about the laws can ensure instructors know expectations and responsibilities when utilizing another's work for learning. Admittedly, reading law and interpreting it can be a bit frustrating!
This is very good information relating to the laws and requirements of using materials that may be copyrighted. The information presented in this course will help me not to violate copyright laws. In addition, I was not aware of the entire history of copyright laws.
Joe,
So true. It seems that no one has eer really explained copyright to the students and often the instructors are unsure of it themselves.
Renee Shaffer
plagarism is definitely a problem with students even though I feel many don't mean to deliberately do something wrong they are just unaware of the fact that they are violating copyright.
