Technology+Report

Technology Report Copyright and Fair Use A Report to The Superintendent of Schools By: Kerry Reinhackel

It is imperative that all educators, staff, and administrators become current with all copyright and fair use rules, and that they teach and enforce these rules throughout every campus. The fines and penalties for not following guidelines and laws in the areas of copyright and fair use are steep, with the consequences reaching far beyond the classroom. Administrators are the key link in the chain of compliance and must lead the way in both action and deed. Vigilance must then follow all educational activities having to do with copyright and fair use guidelines. Current copyright laws include software ordered by the district, movies and shows downloaded by the librarians, and products created in the course of the workday. Software licensing for 25 computers prohibits the copying of that software to add on more computers. The purchase of 25 licenses for use means that if more are needed, more will have to be purchased. Librarians may not record shows or movies at will. They may not record media for some possible future use. A librarian may, using fair use guidelines, record a specific show for a specific teacher, once that request has been made. Booklets, PowerPoint programs and other products created during the workday are owned by the district, as all work produced by the faculty are considered works for hire. The district becomes the author and owner of the copyright of those materials. Copyright infringement is a costly error. An educator or staff member who infringes on copyrighted work may have to pay fines ranging from $200 to $150,000 for each offense. In addition, the employee who broke the copyright law in question could also serve jail time. Copyright infringement costs everyone, from the creator of the copyrighted work who did not receive their payment, to the infringer who could be charged high fines and penalties. Administrators, as the key link in the compliance chain can follow five steps, as detailed in Hall Davidson’s //Copyright Primer for Administrators,// to avoid copyright problems. Davidson says that administrators should create and implement a technology policy that includes a code of ethics and procedures. He further states that the policy should be reviewed with all stakeholders and ethical and legal behavior for technology use should be taught. In addition, a technology manager should conduct audits and maintain logs of licenses and registration materials. Once everything is in place, thank everyone for complying with the rules and procedures set in place. Vigilance is another key in making sure everyone on every campus is adhering to the policies in place for the district. Administrators and Team Leaders on every campus need to keep their eyes open to possible infringement issues in their classes, during research, or doing collaboration on group projects. All students need to be made aware of the consequences of cutting and pasting material without give credit for the information used in research reports and projects.

References Copyright Primer for Administrators. (June 2005). //Technology and Learning//, 11(25), S2. Discussing Cyber Ethics with Students Is Critical. (2003). //The Social Studies//, 188-189. What Every School Should Know About Intellectual Property. (Feb. 2006). //The Educational Digest//, 71(6), 35.