Homeroom Module:
Copyright Issues

"To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right the their respective Writings and Discoveries."
      - U.S. Constitution, Article 1 Section 8

1. Read the following sections on copyright:
   • The basics
   • The law
   • Creating a copyright
   • Penalties for copyright violation
   • Fair use
   • Photocopying under the Fair Use Doctrine
   • Copyright of software
   • Works in the public domain
   
   
   
2. Gather additional information from the following sources:
   • Copyright chart (pdf)
     This is a great chart for educators from Learning & Technology, designed to inform teachers of what they may do under the law.
   • Templeton's 10 Myths about Copyright
     Read this! It sets the record straight about many false notions the general public has on the topic of copyright.
   • US Copyright Office Home Page
     This site has a good section on Copyright Basics, as well as the official government publications and forms on copyright law.
   • A Sample Set of Copyright Guidelines
     An FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) document that reviews the copyright guidelines set by AT&T's Virtual Classroom web site.
   • Illustrative Scenarios A set of scenarios on potential copyright violations in the classroom setting. Designed for higher education, but covers several situations encountered in high school and elementary school settings.
   • Internet and Electronic Rights Issues
     Several articles on copyright in the electronic realm, including some case studies of recent lawsuits.
   • How to Cite a Web Site
     The MLA's recommendations on web citations. Includes several examples.
   • United States Code, Chapter 17 (copyright)
     This is the law enacted by the House of Representatives. Dry reading, but included here for the sake of completeness.
   
   
   
3. In a small group, choose one or more of the following activities:
   
   • Activity 1
   • Activity 2
   • Activity 3
   • Activity 4
   • Activity 5
     
     
     
4. Next, take a quiz on the materials you have learned.
   Here is another good quiz, from Technology & Learning
   
   
   
5. Lastly, please evaluate this module.

Mentors: refer to the Teacher's Guide for further information about this module.