Copyright?

Amy Bohman
Edmt 380-002 Copyright Critique/Commentary
Fall 2005

Copyrights

Copyrights have been around for a long time, but very few people know what copyrighted material really means. In the last 10 years, the idea of copyright has gained more meaning than ever before. We have entered an age of downloading music, movies and more off the internet. There have been times when I have heard something about copyright lawsuits that I seem to be crazy. McDonalds once sued a restaurant that had a giant W as their symbol that looked too much like the upside down arches. "Happy Birthday" cannot be sung at any restaurants because a somewhere there is a person that must be paid every time this song is sung. I cannot swear to the accuracy of these suits, but I can attest to the craziness I thought they were. Personally, I do not think that copyright would be as big of an issue had people not taken it so far. People deserve credit where credit is due, but I'm not going to check into the copyright status of every word I say. I strongly feel it could move to this if things continue.

Our discussions of copyright scare me more each time. Throughout elementary, middle, high school, and now in college, I have been getting handouts from teachers and professors that I now know were obvious violations of copyright laws. I have also been watching movies as incentives for as long as I have been in school as well. Many times, I have watched movies for educational reasons, but usually the entire movies, instead of just parts of them. There is a chance that some of the materials were not violations of copyright laws. The principles of fair use allow educators to use a certain amount of copyrighted materials to implement their curriculum. The issue I have with this, is that with the restrictions, I know that had my teachers followed the exact guidelines of copyright laws, my education would not have been as complete as I feel it is.

I am worried about copyright because as I continually think of more ideas for my future classroom, I keep remembering that some of these will not be possible because of copyright laws. The resources for teachers and schools are greatly reduced when copyright laws are taken into consideration. Only using part of a movie, and not taking the essence of the work can conflict greatly with what the teacher is trying to accomplish. I do not think that teachers should be restricted as much as they are with material. I understand the restrictions on using materials for entertainment purposes. However, it can be very confusing as to how far is too far. If I give my students work time and turn on the radio, am I violating copyright? What if I put in a cd while I am doing prep work, and my students come in?

Another aspect of copyright laws that worry me on non-education terms is music. In February, I will be singing in my oldest friends wedding. I will be using different music at the church that will most definitely be copyrighted. When I am going to sing, copyright will be in the back of my mind. Is it a violation of copyright for me to sing a song in front of my church even though I will buy the sheet music I use? Going over the fair use exemptions, I do not see this fitting in. It is not educational, and being in front of a crowd stops it from being personal use. The closest connection I can make is creative fair use, however, the description of creative fair use makes it different because I would sing the whole song. Does the sheet music change it enough that it would meet fair use principles? I can only wait and see what music my friend wants sung. Piano recitals also seem to violate copyright principles if using the music does break the law.

Knowing that everything I write as a teacher is copyrighted does not change my opinion very much. If someone thinks something I have done is worth repeating, I would rather the idea spread instead of hogging the idea myself. Not allowing someone else to use material that works hinders the success of students and the education system. I understand why my teachers violated copyright laws. If I see something that my students can benefit from, I would want to share them as well. I do not think it is appropriate to overuse fair use. Which sheads light on the concept of copyright laws in the first place. People have to make a living, and by abusing the use of these items it makes it impossible to make a living without the implementation and enforcement of copyright laws.

Last updated on December 13, 2005
Any Questions? Email bohmanac@uwec.edu