Media Restrictions & Laws

Educators are not exempt from copyright laws simply because they teach. Rules to remember regarding copyright is that even though you are a teacher, whatever is found on the Internet is not free. There are many resources available with a Creative Commons (CC) license or obtainable in the public domain. As a creator, it is your right to have work protected and give permission for use through a CC license. If you are unsure, ask for permission, find something else that is free, create your own, or buy an option with usage rights. Never seek loopholes, be aware you are being a responsible and ethical digital citizen and set a good example for others (The Educator’s Guide to Copyright, Fair Use, and Creative Commons, 2020).

• Copyright laws - Created works don’t have to be registered in the Copyright Office to pursue a case of infringement (Farkas, 2019).

• Fair use laws - For teachers, materials are “fair use” if used for teaching purposes with photocopying limitations. To be safe, make only minimal copies, use library resources, provide citations, and/or require student purchase (2019).

• Public domain - There is an expiration date for copyright and once it expires, it is then owned by the public and free to use (2020).

• Creative Commons - Typically creators allow their work to be used as long as certain criteria are followed eliminating the need to ask permission (2020).