COPYRIGHT

    Below you will find two scenarios that might occur in a school setting in relationship to the  copyright law. Following each example you will find my analysis of the situation in relation to the copyright information that I have just researched.

Mrs. Urdvardy, a music teacher, downloads MP3 files from the Web and uses them to instruct her students in the various kinds of music. She allows students to copy the files and take them home, listen to them and complete a worksheet.
   
    You need to be extremely careful when it comes to music and what you can and cannot distribute. Mrs.  Urdvardy is allowed to distribute a copy of the downloads IF she or the school owns the MP3 files.  Another very important issue is that as long as it is being used for listening exercises or exams (for educational purposes) then it is ok to distribute the music. In this scenario the music that is distributed is being used for an assignment... so this would be OK.

Here is a great site for more information!  Music Copyright Guidelines


Mr. Jamweimer, the parent of one of your most intellectual students, has paid to download a wonderful computer software program for his little Einstein. Mr. Jamweimer wants "our school" to be the best and sends a copy of the downloaded file to be used by the students on the computers at school. P.S. all of the kids use it and win Nobel prizes in science, literature, physics, chemistry, and playground.

    This scenario is in violation of copyright laws and is not permitted.  Since Mr. Jamweimer has purchased the software program for his own computer, in his own home, and holds the license for this individual program package ~ it cannot be used for public use.  When he copied the program for his child’s school to use, he was infringing upon the programs copyright by unlawfully reproducing the program. What made this violation even worse was that it took away possible sales that the company may receive if the school would lpurchase this program to help their students become Nobel Prize winners.  The use of this program for the school and the children’s benefit was illegal.  A teacher is cannot copy personal or commercial software and distribute it to students. The teacher is also not permitted to install personal, commercial, or shareware software on to school computechildren's important to remember that just because you buy or download software, it does not make it public domain. You only own a license to use it under certain conditions. It is important to read the rules and regulations that are provided.
    P.S.  If the program is so good that the kids that use it will win Nobel prizes in science, literature, physics, chemistry, and playground... then I think that the school should do the right thing and buy the program for the school.  = )

For more information: Software Copyright  Guideline

 

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