Copyright Laws

This page shows two scenarios that relate to copyright laws in education. Below each scenario is my opinion on whether or not a copyright law is being violated. With increased access to computers and technology, many students are not aware of whether or not they could potentially be breaking a copyright law. As educators, it is vital that we model and communicate how to protect and respect each other's property on the Internet.

Scenario #1: 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.

My Response: Mr. Jamweimer is making an illegal decision to copy the software for the school. If the school/school system wants to use the software for educational purposes, they must purchase the software on their own. When Mr. Jamweimer initially purchased the software, he was agreeing to exchange his money for personal use of the software NOT public use. (Unless he happens to have enough money to purchase enough of the licensed software for all of the school's "little Einsteins". Purchased or downloaded software usually comes with a disclaimer/notice telling you that you do not have the right to copy the material that you are given. It would be wise for the school to send the software back to Mr. Jamweimer. If these students learn the Do's and Don'ts with copyrighted matieral, maybe they really could end up becoming future Nobel Prize winners rather than being in court for a copyright violation.

Scenario #2: Mr. Hamer is tutoring for the functional writing test out of a copyrighted series of workbooks from Houghtin Mifflin. He has 27 students but only 20 books were purchased for his class. The same material is available at the HM web page. She prints enough pages for her kids each morning for the day's class.

My Response: Mr. Hamer is violating 1976 Copyright Laws by making multiple copies of "consumable" sources: in this case, the workbooks. The Fair Use Guidelines allow Mr. Hamer to copy small portions from the workbook, but not the whole workbook. Mr. Hamer could avoid potential problems with the Houghtin Mifflin company AND enjoy time away from the dreaded copy machine/printer by having the school purchase additional workbooks. Or, Mr. Hamer could contact the Houghtin Mifflin company to obtain written permission to print material from the website.

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