MovieMaker Article

Langran, E., Langran, R., & Bull, G. (2005). Copyright Law and Technology. Learning and Leading with Technology, 32(7), 24-26. http://search.ebscohost.com.ts.isil.westga.edu

This article discusses the now wide-spread access of authoring programs like iMovie and Movie Maker which allow for student to move from the role “of passive observer to active creator of digital media” (Langran, E., Langran, R., & Bull, G., 2005, p.24). Students can use Google, or any other search engine, to find images, songs, and video clips, and in a few minutes, they can create their own digital story. This presents a whole new set of problems for schools because much of that material is copyrighted (even if it does not include a copyright symbol), but copyright legislation is constantly evolving and subject to interpretation. Teachers and students need to be aware of the Fair Use Act which says, “the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction…for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching…, scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright.” Then, to qualify for fair use, four factors must be weighed: purpose of use; nature of work, amount used, and effect on the market. Some sites like Creative Commons charges consumers for downloaded music, but encourages educators to use their music free of charge. One should also consider works that are in the public domain and are available for use. In 1998, the Digital Millennium Act extended the copyright term for these items to the life of the author plus 70 years. While we live in an age where it is easy to access any information you desire on the internet, teachers must be aware and must make their students aware of copyright laws.