Fine Line Between Copyright Infringement and Fair Use

The title of my blog says it all!  As I reflected on the information I read about copyright concerns, it became apparent to me that as educators and individuals, we have to be very careful and cognizant when we decide to use others' material. 

Typically in educational situations, the purpose is well-intended, and that is not enough.  Practitioners and Administrators in educational settings have to be well-versed on what is considered fair use, and what is copyright infringment.  This should be throroughly covered, including training, at point of hire, and reinforced throughout employment.

Three key concerns rose to the top for me when I think about the role of the educator.  I have listed them in order of importance, based on my experience, with the top two listed first.

1. Print media and online materials - Often time when doing research, educators may find material that supplement their lesson plans.  This helps to further educate the student in the topic or content area.  The educator makes enough copies to share with his/her class.  While the fair use policy allows some distribution of printed or online material, the amount of copies, and intended use must be scrutinized before doing so, and/or receiving appropriate persmissions.
2. Computer Software - Software can be moderately expensive to very expensive, and very necessary to perform class instruction.  Because educational funding, in a number of cases, is driven by state funding, it is typical to see a lot of cuts in educational spending.  Therefore, educators have to make a tough decision about what they can personally fund, and what they can live without.  Sometimes, what seems like a creative approach.... burning software or dsitributing a disc to others to load software can result in a copyright issue.  It may be worth the initial investment upfront, versus taking a creative shortcut, that lends itself to breaking the law.
3. Emails - This form of infringment, which is questionable, seems most common amongst educators, and all individuals.  How many times have we read something sent to us in email, and shared it because we thought it would be good for others to know?  Though questionable, I think we should exercise some judgment, and in doubt, don't...