Instructor’s Choice
As pertains to copyright regulations, what are 2–3 things the instructor should do?
I guess the question emerges -- what if the institution has not applicable policies? The instructor is responsible for researching the applicable law in general. This takes away from course research times -- but of course not knowing can cause greater problems. Lastly, how does this apply to the discussion board. Students often research thier answers on the internet ..
This presents a paradox, teacher seeks to gather the most relevant and accurate information t is not reasonable to believe that the information needed is on the shelf. Traditionally books are published a year in advance and several years in development. The pursuit of current inform sometimes leads the instructors to the web. Then, those resources are not available due to copywrite. A checklist is very helpful and asking permission seems to be the only recourse.
Marilyn,
Having a back up plan for when permissions are not received is a good point. If I had a back up plan or alternate item to use in place of the one I'm seeking permission on I would not run the risk of being out of compliance. This would also take the pressure off of needing a quick turnaround. I could use the back up item while awaiting permissions. Thank you.
As an instructor it is important to:
1. Know and understand the institutions copyright policy and procedures
2. Have knowledge of copyright laws or seek knowledge if unsure of the laws
3. Seek permissions or utilize public domain materials. If there are questions with permissions, seek clarification, but never ignore the copyright policy and procedures.
The first thing an instructor must do is find out if the materials are copyright protected and gain written permission far ahead of the class in case permission is not given. Also, a plan in place in case permission is not given is important. Finding out what the policies of the institution are and sharing them with the students and other faculty are also important.
Kelly,
Pre-planning is certainly a key and your idea of using form letters is very helpful. Thanks.
Renee Shaffer
The instructor needs to be proactive. The suggestion is to plan 4-6 months in advance, but this can be difficult for adjunct instructors. Form letter templates can be found online to send to copyright holders to seek permission to use materials. Once permission is granted, the content should be added to the e-reserves or LMS and can be used over and over again.
The first thing an instructor should do, is research and understand the institution's copyright policy. The second is to ensure that any material used in the classroom is purchased for that purpose and usage permission is obtained. or it is an original work of the instructor's.
Get permissions, especially for materials used for more than one semester. Determine whether materials are in the public domain and what items are deemed for fair use.
Loretta,
This is so true. We really need our institutions to get involved in copyright issues and at the very least have policies and procedures in place.
Renee Shaffer
In regards to copyright regulations, I believe that Instructors should be (1) knowledgeable on what a copyright is, (2) knowledgeable on how to prevent infringement and (3) knowledgeable on the term for "fair use". In addition, I believe that the School Institution should support instructors to be proactive in preventing copyright issues. In the digital age, it is easy for a student to "think" that it's okay to use an author's ideas/thoughts but the student needs to be guided to adhere to the copyright rules/regulations.
Hello,
Instructors should use a checklist to work off of. They should know the institutional policy for copyrighted materials, and they should follow it. They should also work with their Librarian.
The instructor should get permission in advance of using any copyrighted material... Also, the instructor should educate him/herself on all current and applicable copyright laws and figure out how to utilize resources with out breaking them...
Terry,
Very good points. Thinking first helps in so many situations! :)
Renee Shaffer
The first thing that I beleive an instructor should do (when it pertains to copyright regulations) is to think! Actually, think about copyright law and the materail they are going to be using. Another thing that the instructor should do is to evaluate the needs of the student. They need to weigh the benefit of the document, book, etc against obtaining copyright permission. They also need to evaluate their needs as an instructor. To assist them in these matters they should seek assistance from the institution's library, they should use a checklist, and they should be cognizant of the policies of the instituition for which they teach.
I agree. Since the copyright laws apply so differently to each type of institution, it should help greatly to know which one you are involved with. I work with both, and since my role as a teacher is the same, it just doesn't feel that "different" though I know now that it is!
Hello All,
Good morning! When it comes to copyright regulations, there are many steps that instructors can take to help ensure compliance. Some ideas include:
1. Reading and being aware of the institution’s copyright policies.
2. Review and keep up-to-date on the copyright laws.
3. Connect with and use librarians as a resource.
4. Use a quality checklist.
When I first started teaching, I did not effectively use librarians to assist my efforts. With more experience, I now reach out and make connections with the librarians. They are great resources and have helped to enhance the efforts of my students as well. What strategies can you recommend to build quality partnerships with librarians?
Have a great day!
-Al
1) Make sure that s/he understands the institutions copyright policy
2)Make sure that s/he knows where to go to find additional information.
3)If using any portion of someone else's work (in any format), obtain permission from the actual creator first. If permission cannot be obtained in writing, do not use the material.
I agree. A checklist is pretty clear. There should also be a discussion at the beginning of class consequences of copyright infringement.
