JOURNAL 3 - ARE YOU THE COPY COP?

Johnson, D., Simpson, C. Are you the copy cop ?

Learning & Leading with Technology Volume 32 Number 7, 2005, Pgs 14-20

This article explains to the general public what copyright means and why it is important that teachers’ and students respect copyright’s to movies, books, magazines, music and software. It explains how the school librarians and teachers can explain in greater detail what may or
may not have copyright protection. This article explains to the students that a violation of a copyright can happen in schools. If the violation happens in the schools it may result in the school ( a teacher or a student) being sued. This further explains to the public and students’ how some people unknowingly break copyright laws so they understand and avoid making these mistakes. It explains how teachers are instructed to obey copyright laws and to educate their learners about the seriousness of breaking the copyright laws. This also explains to the students that copyright laws help protect the authors or creators of books, magazines, music and movies who earn a living by making these things. It clarifies to the students and teachers that the district is able to scan and review all documents that have been printed on photocopiers to see what has copyright protection. It explains to the students and teachers that the district policy on scanning the software programs on all of its computers to make sure that a license to use the software on that computer has been purchased. It describes that copyright is a federal law and that obeying this law is the right thing to do. Lastly, It explains to the students and teachers that congress has given schools certain exemptions to use limited amounts of published and marketed materials to assist in teaching students.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why is it important for all students to know the copyright laws?

It is very important for all students, teachers, volunteers and all general public to know all the copyright laws. The teachers have the responsibility of educating the students and all other staff that work in the classroom to avoid any law suites and litigations. We must know that we cannot copy other peoples work without their permission otherwise it becomes stealing. The students must be taught the correct ways of researching and using other peoples work with proper permission. People must be given credit for their own hard work. The teachers must teach the students this responsibility and educate them in respecting the copyright laws. Copyright is a federal law and has high penalties if it is violated.The copyrigh laws are written in the constituition of the United States Article 1 sect 8.The penalties are very severe.

2. Where can teachers and students find information about the copyright laws and their penalties?

The following are some websites that we can get more information and educate
ourselves and our learners to avoid law suites:

http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_A1Sec8.html
http://www.rbs2.com/copyr.htm
http://www.gindylaw.com/
http://www.legalzoom.com/
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/
http://www.copyright.gov/title17/
http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html
http://www.copyright.gov/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright
http://www.rbs2.com/copyr.htm
http://fairuse.stanford.edu/
http://copyrightlaws.com/
http://it.slashdot.org/
http://www.p2pnet.net/story/14186