The Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Media Literacy Education

Abstract:

This document is a code of best practices that helps educators using media literacy concepts and techniques to interpret the copyright doctrine of fair use. Fair use is the right to use copyrighted material without permission or payment under some circumstances—especially when the cultural or social benefits of the use are predominant. It is a general right that applies even in situations where the law provides no specific authorization for the use in question—as it does for certain narrowly defined classroom activities.

This guide identifies five principles that represent the media literacy education community’s current consensus about acceptable practices for the fair use of copyrighted materials, wherever and however it occurs: in K–12 education, in higher education, in nonprofit organizations that offer programs for children and youth, and in adult education.

Subject:

Arts, Business, Humanities, Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary, Post-secondary

Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Online Video

Abstract:

This document is a code of best practices that helps creators, online providers, copyright holders, and others interested in the making of online video interpret the copyright doctrine of fair use. Fair use is the right to use copyrighted material without permission or payment under some circumstances.

Subject:

Arts, Business, Humanities, Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Secondary, Post-secondary

Copyright Advisory Network

Abstract:

The purpose of this site is to encourage librarians to discuss copyright concerns and seek feedback and advice from fellow librarians and copyright specialists. The Network is sponsored by the American Library Association Office for Information Technology Policy.

Subject:

Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Copyright Confusion Conquered

Abstract:

A blog entry that discusses and shares video from a Web seminar entitled "Yes, You Can Use Copyrighted Materials! Conquering Copyright Confusion." The Web seminar covered the NCTE Code of Best Practices for Fair Use in Media Literacy Education.

Copyright Law Module 1 of 3: An Overview of U.S. Copyright Law

Abstract:

This series of three modules (subsequent modules are linked at the bottom of this page) is intended to provide an overview of U.S. Copyright Law, both as it is written in law and as it functions in the courts. The evolution of copyright law in response to new technologies, the specifics of U.S. Copyright Law, and significant copyright court cases are all discussed. This first module is a basic overview of U.S. Copyright Law: what it is, the types of works it covers, and the protections it guarantees creators.

Subject:

Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

Connexions

Copyright for Educators

Abstract:

This course is for educators and learners who wants to understand how copyright affects use of learning materials, and how to use copyright to facilitate education. The course is focused on developing practical solutions. The reading won't always give these to you, its up to you to devise practical solutions based on the reading.

Subject:

Arts, Business, Humanities, Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

Peer 2 Peer University

Copyright for Educators, Cycle 2 - Mar 2010

Abstract:

This is a course for educators who want to learn about copyright, open content material and licensing. It is open to all educators around the world.

The course is taught around practical case studies faced by teachers when using copyright material in their day to day teaching and educational instruction.

Subject:

Arts, Business, Humanities, Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

Peer 2 Peer University

Encountering Intellectual Property Issues: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Conference (A True Story)

Abstract:

I developed this module as a case study for my course, "Intellectual Property:" Copyright for Educators, EDIT797" offered at George Mason University. The events described in the module actually happened. It is provided here as an example reflecting how issues of "copy rights" pervade the educator's roles in creating, distributing, using, and managing electronic intellectual properties.

Subject:

Science and Technology, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

Connexions

Fair Use Evaluator

Abstract:

The Fair Use Evaluator is an online tool that can help users understand how to determine if the use of a protected work is a “fair use.” It helps users collect, organize, and document the information they may need to support a fair use claim, and provides a time-stamped PDF document for the users’ records.

Subject:

Arts, Business, Humanities, Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary, Post-secondary

Fair Use Evaluator

Abstract:

What this tool can do for you:

* Help you better understand how to determine the "fairness" of a use under the U.S. Copyright Code.
* Collect, organize & archive the information you might need to support a fair use evaluation.
* Provide you with a time-stamped, PDF document for your records, which could prove valuable, should you ever be asked by a copyright holder to provide your fair use evaluation and the data you used to support it.
* Provide access to educational materials, external copyright resources, and contact information for copyright help at local & national levels.

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary, Post-secondary

Fair Use: Remix Culture, Mashups, and Copyright

Abstract:

In this lesson, students will focus on defining the concept, purpose, and impact of fair use in U.S. copyright law. Students will refine their understanding of fair use through the lens of the increasingly popular remix culture of music, visual art, and video.

Subject:

Arts, Business, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Secondary, Post-secondary

Collection:

Electronic Frontier Foundation

Fair Use: You Be The Judge

Abstract:

Students will challenge their knowledge of copyright law and fair use and apply it as stakeholders in the legal drama of Walt Disney Studios v. Faden.

Subject:

Arts, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Secondary, Post-secondary

Collection:

Electronic Frontier Foundation

Intellectual Property and Information Law, Fall 2008

Abstract:

Explores related and sometimes competing legal and policy frameworks for the development and dissemination of ideas and expression in the Information Age. The ways in which principles of free speech and expression compare and contrast with intellectual property rights are explored in relation to the advancement of knowledge and innovation, with particular focus on the impact of the Internet and new technology. The impact of other legal considerations and values on the development and dissemination of ideas and information (such as security, privacy, local control vs. national and international considerations, competition, and the protection of minors) are also examined. The course draws upon the contexts of education, business, and government.

Subject:

Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

Open.Michigan

Introduction - Steve Foerster

Abstract:

Introduction to Steve Foerster's post on the American legal system’s concept of fair use of copyrighted materials as it relates to education.

Subject:

Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

Connexions

Introduction to Copyright Law, January (IAP) 2006

Abstract:

This course is an introduction to copyright law and American law in general. Topics covered include: structure of federal law; basics of legal research; legal citations; how to use LexisNexis®; the 1976 Copyright Act; copyright as applied to music, computers, broadcasting, and education; fair use; Napster®, Grokster®, and Peer-to-Peer file-sharing; Library Access to Music Project; The 1998 Digital Millennium Copyright Act; DVDs and encryption; software licensing; the GNU® General Public License and free software.

Subject:

Science and Technology

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

MIT OpenCourseWare

Introduction to Open Educational Resources

Abstract:

A self-paced tutorial about open educational resources as alternatives to textbooks for college teachers. Visitors are invited to actively participate by posting Activity Reflection entries to the course Discussion area. This tutorial has 9 Lessons organized into 3 Units: Background, OER Sources, and OER Use.

Subject:

Arts, Humanities, Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

Connexions

Legal Aspects of Property and Land Use, Fall 2005

Abstract:

Provides an introduction to legal and institutional arrangements for the establishment, transfer, and control over property under US and selected comparative systems including India and South Africa. Situates the debate about property in the context of international development and planning. Examines the relationship to the use of land by individuals, entities, communities, and the State through "private" and "public" regulation. Emphasis on efficient resource use, institutional, entitlement, and cultural approaches to property, distribution, and other social aspects, and the relationship between property, culture, and democracy. This course is designed to offer an advanced introduction to key legal issues that arise in the area of property and land-use in American law, with a comparative focus on the laws of India and South Africa. The focus of the course is not on law itself, but on the policy implications of various rules, doctrines and practices which are covered in great detail. Legal rules regulating property are among the most fundamental to American, and most other, economies and societies. The main focus is on American property and land use law due to its prominence in international development policy and practice as a model, though substantial comparative legal materials are also introduced from selected non-western countries such as India and South Africa.

Subject:

Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Collection:

MIT OpenCourseWare

Public Domain Slider

Abstract:

This interactive copyright tool can help you determine if an older work published in the U.S. is still protected by copyright.

Subject:

Arts, Business, Humanities, Mathematics and Statistics, Science and Technology, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary, Post-secondary

Public Knowledge

Abstract:

Public Knowledge is a group of lawyers, technologists, lobbyists, academics, volunteers and activists dedicated to fortifying and defending a vibrant information commons.

Our first priority is to stop any bad legislation from passing—laws we think would slow technology innovation, pick market winners, shrink the public domain, or prevent fair use.