Copyright: Video Use

What is copyright?
Official definition: So what does that mean?
Copyright is the exclusive legal In short it just means that a
right to reproduce, publish, sell, or creator’s work is protected from
distribute the matter and form of using or selling without the
something (such as a literary, creators written permission or
musical, or artistic work) credit given to the creator.
-“Copyright.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/copyright. Accessed 29
Jun. 2021
 How long does a copyright last?
According to Copyright.com a creators copyright
sticks with the creation for the life of the creator plus
70 years. This has been adopted in many countries
around the world.

“About Copyright.” Copyright Clearance Center, 14 June 2021, www.copyright.com/learn/about-

copyright/.
 Can a teacher use videos in class?
There are a few general rules to follow if you want to use a
copyrighted video in class.
1. The video has to be legitimately acquired. Meaning the video needs to be
rented or bought.
2. The video needs to be shown for educational purposes only. The video
may not be used for entertainment.
3. The video needs to be used in a face-to-face classroom. Not used during a
video conference where recording maybe used.
https://www.softchalkcloud.com/lesson/files/gHvO3j6PVUCbDR/
Copyright&FairUsebyTechnologyandLearning.pdf
On the next several slides we will
take a look at a couple different
scenarios where a teacher is
wanted to use a copyrighted video
in their class. As you read each
scenario think about the guidelines
on the previous slide.
 Scenario 1

A teacher is at the public library and has checked out a

DVD on the causes of the civil war. She decides to
use the video to help introduce their civil war
unit.
Can the teacher use the video?
YES! As long as the video is for instructional purpose in a face-to-face
classroom, not entertainment, the teacher may use the video.
Scenario 2

The teacher is at home watching a movie and in the movie the

teacher notices she can use the contents in the video in her next
lesson. The teacher decides to use her cellphone to record the
movie instead of buying the DVD.

Can the teacher use the video?

NO! The teacher did not legitimately obtain the video. Although the content would
be used for instructional purposes it still can not be used because she recorded the
video with her cellphone.
Scenario 3
A teacher wants to reward his class for doing a good job
and chooses to show a movie for enjoyment. He goes to
the store and buys the DVD he wants to show in class.

Can the teacher use the video?

NO! Even though the DVD was acquired legitimately you can not
show a video to a class for pure enjoyment. Videos shown in class
need to be shown for educational purposes only.
The following links are charts to help decide whether or
not you can use certain material

Cornell's Copyright Decision Tree

https://copyright.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/Copyright_Decision_Tree.pdf

Copyright and Fair Use Guidelines for Teachers

https://www.softchalkcloud.com/lesson/files/gHvO3j6PVUCbDR/Copyright&FairUsebyT
echnologyandLearning.pdf