Copyright & Fair Use

Guilford County Schools requires that you be knowledgeable of and adhere to all provisions of current Federal copyright law, Title 17 of US Code, and Congressional “fair use” guidelines. The district recognizes and supports the limitations on unauthorized duplication and use of copyrighted materials in all formats, as well as contractual and licensing agreements pertaining to the instructional use of all formats, including electronically transmitted materials. Willful or serious violations are in violation of expected standards of behavior may result in disciplinary action in accordance with board policy. The legal and insurance protection of the district will not extend to you if you unlawfully copy or unlawfully use copyrighted materials.

(Reference: Title 17 of US Code; Congressional “Fair Use” Guidelines)

GCS Staff should model lawful and ethical use of resources when selecting materials for instruction and creating content (presentation, handouts, websites, etc.). This requires a basic understanding of copyright law and the permissions and licensing that are attached to text excerpts, images, audio, video, or other resources. 

Teachers are expected to carefully plan and to exercise professional judgment and discretion in selecting videos to use in classroom instruction. Videos should be used only on a limited basis in classroom instruction, and never for rewards or incentives. 

Review these Guidelines for Video Use in the Classroom before planning to use a video with students.

Before using a streaming service, consider copyright, fair use, and GCS policies. Also review the Terms of Use for the service which typically restricts the use of these services to home or personal use settings. 

Review (and feel free to use) this presentation on using videos/films/streaming services in schools.