As a graphic designer & instructor, there is probably no
other word (aside from Comic Sans) that evokes fear, uncertainty, and debate
like ‘copyright’. The discussion is never over the clear ‘black and white’
issues. For example, clearly you cannot use the Walt Disney signature typeface
for a brand name, regardless of whether it’s for personal or commercial use. It’s
always over the gray areas. So for this course to start off by delving right
into the realm of Copyright and Fair Use is rather commendable, and speaks to
the importance of the topic.
I think back to the Month 1 Media Literacy & Research
course when we had to create a lesson in Second Life. Our team decided to
create a lesson centered on the 1776 signing of the Declaration of
Independence. We wanted to incorporate the famous 1795 John Trumball painting,
and audio of Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson as depicted in
a film about the historic event. It was then that I really learned about the
Fair Use Act and how it ‘liberated’ educators from the censorship tyranny that
can be inflicted by copyright. Our situation was a prime example of the need to
use copyrighted material for the purpose of teaching, AND, without the
material, the lesson could not be as effective. Where needed, we obtained the
proper usage rights for much of our media. In most cases, all that was required
was a citation of the source in the credits.
All in all, I look forward to continue learning about the
nuances of Copyright and Fair Use, and how it applies to educators and the
classroom.
Hi Julia,
ReplyDeleteHere's a big "howdy" back at you from Texas. You are so true that Copyright is a very important topic that should be addressed by any teacher, especially when technology is involved. I really like how you addressed Fair Use as an act of liberation for educators. That is so true. So much pressure was taken off the backs of educators by its inception. As I was viewing the videos, I started to get a little overwhelmed by the complexity of it all. Bottom line, Fair Use is a "defensible position" if ever an issue arose.
Dave
Copyright for educators is an important topic. If teachers are responsible for educating others, how can we not have the right to share the world’s stuff (not for profit, but learning)? As an art teacher, what my students study IS artwork which, being historical, for the most part, is copyrighted. (Is that the proper form of past tense copyright?) Anyway…. In our class videos there was a section that said-if you can’t present what you are teaching without the copyrighted material then you can’t use it. I thought-that doesn’t work for graphic, visual art at all. That IS my subject. Without the copyrighted art first I wouldn’t have a subject to teach! That “rule of thumb” doesn’t work for art teachers at all so we need a new one. I am surprised when I need “posters” to teach with, I know the copy centers to take my books to for poster making-and which will not allow it-even with my teacher’s badge. There is question out there. Even the same company copy centers have different policies depending on who is in charge! (Some Staples are OK while one I know is not!) There does need to be regulation so that teachers can so their jobs.
ReplyDeleteThe issues of copyright usage will continue to morph and change. It's not a stagnate document or law. It is a ruling that is "alive" and in flux. It's our responsibility as media designers to continue to remain updated on the implications of media. I agree as an instructor in an educational setting that we have somewhat more protection using copyrighted material than if we have a small business, like a graphic or web design business where we may use material for "profit" vs. for "educational purposes". Regardless, the information received in this first week is of utmost importance. One thing that I have found is that referencing material is much easier now as a good portion of it is embedded in the copyrighted material.
ReplyDeleteGreat example of how tricky using media can be for educators. It can be very intimidating.
ReplyDelete