Copyright Issues for Educators

While reading several resources pertaining to copyright issues, I quickly realized that these issues are not so cut and dry. I often times google search information, pictures and articles that are used for my own personal use and for my students use in the classroom. Until reading this article, I had never thought about whether or not using this information would be considered a copyright violation. However, there are many rules and regulations when it comes to using other peoples work. I believe that the criteria for deciding if the work is in "fair use" are very appropriate and realistic. These criteria are that factors such as the nature and purpose of the work, the amount used and the effect on the market, be weighed and approved before the work is used. I found the document, "Copyright and Fair Use for Teachers," to be extremely helpful in deciphering what is a copyright violation and what is not. This document clearly described the guidelines for using specific pieces of media, such as videos, internet, music, etc...I think it is important to teach children what is considered a copyright violation because there are so many hidden rules that people, especially children, may be unaware of. There has been a lot of controversy in the past few years over copyright issues pertaining to music. Many children these days get their music off of illegal internet sites, not paying for the music that they are downloading. At times, these children do not realize that they are doing anything wrong. This is one example of why children should be educated on these copyright issues.