The Complex World of Internet Safety, Copyright Law and Fair Use Policy

Photo by Sheila Mannese

I recently read some articles on the topics of internet safety, copyright, and fair use and was surprised by the extent of technical details that pertain to these topics. The extent of these details made me ponder about the use of materials and technology in schools and the lack of simplicity that is involved when looking to use engaging materials that are copyrighted and/or on the Internet.  It gave me the kind of headache that I have gotten from other cumbersome topics like NCLB.  The saying, "Keep it simple, stupid!" seems to characterize the way I feel about such complexity in this case.

However, it is useful to have the information I need to understand internet safety and copyright law. I have wondered quite a bit about the nature of copyright law and have wanted more information so that I can make informed decisions when using materials in my classroom that may be copyrighted.  I just think it is going to take patience and time to fully absorb and comprehend all that is involved in the fair use policy that pertains to educators.  But absorb and comprehend I must. And I will.

Wouldn't it be helpful if some kind of web tool could provide all the necessary interactive guides that will allow you to judge whether a resource you would like to use falls within the domain of the fair use policy? And also help you to create the requisite citations and/or credits that would ensure you follow the law when using copyrighted information?  Perhaps such a tool exists.  I should probably search the Web for it.  Otherwise, for all of those tech-savvy educators out there, what do you say to creating one?