FAQ

Andragogue E-stitute FAQ

Andragogue E-stitute wants to ensure that all educators are have a clear and concise understanding of copyright policies. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Copyright laws.

Q) What is Copyright?
A) According to Title 17 of U.S. code, “Copyright protection covers original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed, from which they can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with aid of a machine or develop”.

Q) What can be copyrighted?
A) Ideas can not be copyrighted, but once the idea takes form in any type of recorded media it is subject to copyright protection.

Q) Isn’t using copyrighted material for education legal?
A) Not necessarily. Fair use is just a legally defensible position, not a right.

Q) Is downloading music for web pages permissible?
A) Any music downloaded for multimedia projects must be legally obtained and have permission by copyright owner to upload. The commonly accepted limit for music or audiovisual clips is 10% or up to 30 seconds. There are some music options that do not require permission to be obtained, such as http://freeplaymusic.com/.


Q) Can images found on the internet be uploaded for use?
A) Any images used must have permission from copyright owner to upload. The website http://pics.tech4learning.com/ permits users to use images for free without copyright guidelines. The commonly accepted limit for the use of copyrighted images is 5 images from a single source or 15 images from a collection.


Q) Can videos be uploaded for class viewing?
A) Yes, but with restrictions. Short video clips can be uploaded or links. But whole copyrighted movies should not be uploaded. Websites such as http://creativecommons.com allow use of creative material with out the copyright restrictions.


Q) How long can copyrighted material be posted on site?
A) All material posted on class site should be removed upon the ending of the class.


Q) Who has access to material uploaded to teacher websites?
A) Only students have access to material uploaded for instructional use. Students should sign in using a password in order to access copyrighted material.

Q) Can I upload supplemental reading material for my class?
A) No. Only material that would normally be used in a face to face class can be used and if material would typically require purchase, such as textbooks, it can not be uploaded.



Resources:
US. Copyright Office. Copyright Basics. Retrieved from U.S. Copyright Office website: http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf

Simon, M. Smaldino, S. Albright, M & Zuacek S. (2009). Teaching & Learning at a Distance (4th ed.) Pearson Education, Inc.

KOCE-TV(Producer). (2008, May 23). Copyright for Educators-Internet and Web Episode 4 part 2. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/BKAShGe7u4g.


KOCE-TV(Producer). (2008, May 23). Copyright for Educators-Fair Use Episode 3 Part 2. Retrieved from http://youtu.be/w-fDtYUdpCU.

Harper, G. (2007). The TEACH Act. The Copyright Crash Course. Retrieved from http://copyright.lib.utexas.edu/teachact.html.