October 2003 — Industry Perspective

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Are You Breaking the Law?

Video streaming providers will soon also have another tool at their disposal to protect copyrighted material. A Digital Rights Management system similar to the Microsoft Windows Media Rights Manager will be available as early as this fall. Here is an example of how a DRM system will work: If a subscription is not renewed, the DRM system is activated when the subscription license term expires. Then, the DRM will not allow the video to play unless the subscription is renewed. This protects the copyright holder, while also protecting the schools from unintentionally committing copyright violations.

Conclusion

Obtaining educational video content is easier than ever before, but with this ease and flexibility comes additional responsibility. With the passage of the DMCA and the subsequent TEACH Act, legislators are struggling to provide timely legal protection, constraints and boundaries for content creators as well as consumers.

While fair use allows educators some freedom to use materials in classrooms without permission, there are confines within the Fair Use Guidelines. Educating yourself and your colleagues about copyright and fair use will help save time and worry for you and your district. The application of Fair Use Guidelines in your district will also demonstrate support for creative artists' work by providing these artists with the security of knowing their work will be protected.

References

Crews, K. 2002. "New Copyright Law for Distance Education: The Meaning and Importance of the TEACH Act." American Library Association.

Lutzker, A. and A. Rapp. 2002. "Digital Battlegrounds: The Streaming Frontier." AIME News. Summer.

Simonson, M., S. Smaldino, M. Albright and S. Zvacek. 2003. Teaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundations of Distance Education. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Merrill/Prentice Hall.

If you are one of the many technology coordinators evaluating video streaming this fall, United Learning is providing T.H.E. Journal readers a free two-month trial subscription. To register, visit www.unitedstreaming.com and enter pass code "F1E0-A5D4."

Online Resources for Educating Teachers, Students About Copyright and Fair Use

Integrating technology such as video streaming into a classroom will assist teachers in meeting the challenges they face for improving academic performance. Having a working knowledge of copyright and fair use will make teachers more comfortable about using copyrighted materials made available through modern technology. Creating awareness among district staff is a simple way to guard against copyright infringement. Consider a simple "Do's and Don'ts of Copyright" list for staff distribution, a fun and interactive copyright quiz, or incorporate the terms of use into existing authorized user policies you may already have in place. Below are some links for additional copyright staff development ideas:

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"Are You Breaking the Law?," T.H.E. Journal, 10/1/2003, http://www.thejournal.com/articles/16484

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