As I read the myth, “If I’m not making any money off
it, it’s fair use. (and if I am making money off it, it’s not.” As a student and as an educator I can’t
tell you how many times I have pasted a picture I found on the internet and
pasted it into my PowerPoint or Prezi. Should I have contacted the owner of
that picture and asked permission? If we look at the “noncommercial” argument,
I as an educator am not making PowerPoint presentation and using those pictures
to sell my work. I am using those pictures to enhance the learning that is
taking place in my classroom. It is all about the money, the almighty dollar. I
am taking and using someone else’s work that is valuable to them and their bank
account and using it as mine. I might not be making any money, but that does
not give me a fair use pass.
I thought about the saying that ignorance is bliss. Our teachers cannot be ignorant in regards to copyright and fair use laws. Much is at stake for them if they misuse materials. It is essential for media specialist to impart
their knowledge to their teachers about copyright and fair use laws. This year
each teacher received a copy of this law and the Griffin-Spalding County policy
in their handbook and I reviewed the law with plenty of examples in our faculty
meeting during pre-planning. I also explained that there were pamphlets in the media
center if they had further questions. As media specialists, we need to make
sure our teachers are not fearful of copying materials, but they are educated
about the policies and laws of copyright and fair use. I find that Mark Twain
said it best when he stated, “Only one thing is impossible for God: To find any
sense in any copyright law on the planet”.
Been there done that Julie! I too have added pics to lessons but not for a monetary gain but to enhance the lesson. I do try to put a reference on the screen of where I got the pic, etc. I'm still new to some of the copyright laws and fair use, so I know that the teachers are going to mess up with this one too. As you mentioned, the LMS has to get to know the law and make sure each teacher is taught what is acceptable. I like that you provided examples! That always helps. Also, you mention fear of copyright, well, that can be a hinderance. But if you take the correct steps, then the educators may not need to fear what they can or cannot do. PS, I like the quote!!!
ReplyDeleteNumber one, loved your title and now that song is stuck in my head. I am just like you... I have used a photo or video in my classroom without the permission of the creator. I do think it is important that we as LMS inform teachers of the difference between copyright and fair use and what could be the possible consequences of ignoring such rules. You did a great job of providing examples, using quotes to enhance your blog, and stating your opinion on the matter.
ReplyDeleteThe responsibility of making sure the faculty understands copyright and fair use most often is the responsibility of the SLMS. I have to admit, this is one job that I do not look forward to. I can see the look of all the teachers when this topic is brought up during professional development sessions. I would love a more interesting yet informative way of presenting this information to a faculty. The suggestions you provided would definitely inform the faculty of the copyright laws they must adhere to throughout the year. We post signs near the copy machines as a reminder.
ReplyDeleteYes, I, too, have that song stuck in my head, now! And, that quote was brilliant! I've never heard it before; what insight Mark Twain had! He is probably rolling in his grave with all the added headaches that now fall under copyright laws. Your post made me realize how NOT VERSED I really am on this subject and how I better make it one of my first priorities as a media specialist to become better acquainted and prepared to educate others.
ReplyDeleteI love that quote.
ReplyDeleteThe simplest way it was explained to me also dealt with money, but not just making money. If something was being done to keep from spending money (copying entire workbooks, CDs, or DVDs), it also violated the Fair Use law. I use that as a guideline, because I know even that doesn't apply in every situation.
Seems there is no quick and easy explanation of copyright law (regardless of what the animated tutorials claim). This is one part of the job that I can honestly say I am NOT anticipating.
Julie, You shared exactly how I feel when you say, "...As media specialists, we need to make sure our teachers are not fearful of copying materials, but they are educated about the policies and laws of copyright and fair use." I too am started to wonder about all of the images I have used in presentations and some of the posters that I have made for our school. I am responsible for our school's main website and I often use images and things that I find on google. I now question whether or not that is okay. I am not selling anything so I think that I am fine, but I am going to review the rules and make sure that I am within legal rights to use images and things like that.
ReplyDelete