Copyrights

Impressions and Selections:
The article that I choose to read was "Copyright 101 for Educators" by Wesley Fryer. The second paragraph begins with a disclaimer about not being a copyright lawyer. After reading this paper and browsing a few websites, it is my opinion that you have to be a lawyer to truly understand all of the fine nuances of copyright. It's confusing. What can be considered free use in one instance is considered copyright infringement in another. One thing is for sure, I will definitely think longer and harder before I include certain bits of information into my writings and presentations in the future. It would be easy to cross the copyright line and not even realize it.

After reading this article,
I plan to become better acquainted with copyright guidelines listed in the Copyright Act of 2002. As we become active educators, it is our responsibility to not only insure that we do our best not to break copyright laws, but to also insure that are students stay within those lines too.

What is copyright?
According to the same article, copyright is," a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to the authors of "original works of authorship", including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works."

How do you get a copyright?
A copyright can be obtained either by online application or by submitting a completed application through the U.S. Postal Service. There are just a few simple steps that a person must complete in order to receive a copyright. 
For online applications:
1. Go online to the Copyright Offices website.
2. Go to register online.
3. Complete application.
4. Pay fees.
5. Wait for conformation of copyright.

For U.S. mail:
1. Go online.
2. Print out application.
3. Fill out application.
4. Pay fees
5. Mail application to copyright office.
6. Wait for conformation.

What is Fair use?
Fair use was introduced by the copyright office in order to allow the limited use of copyrighted material without first obtaining permission from the copyright holder. Basically, they are exceptions to the copyright laws put in place for limited use.

What is the TEACH act?
The TEACH Act was signed into law by President Bush in November 2002. TEACH stands for Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization Act of 2001. The TEACH Act expands the opportunities for the use of copyrighted materials in distance- delivered and/or electronically-enhanced education courses. It works along side the principles of fair use of the copyright act to allow for a wider use of copyrighted materials by educators teaching online courses.