Fair Use in reference to copyright laws refers to the situations in which it is lawful to use a copyrighted work without permission from the author or copyright owner. Fair Use is determined on a case by case basic based on these four criteria: (1) Purpose of the use (usually instructional or educational uses are considered Fair Use); (2) The nature of the work; (3) The amount of the work used (Usually small portions of a work are considered Fair Use); and (4) The effect of the work on the work's market value (Using a single-use subscription of a computer program for an entire school district would not be considered Fair Use).
It is important for educators and administrators to be aware of copyright laws, especially in the age of technology in which it is easier to access information but copyright laws are more difficult than they used to be. Those in education need to be careful to monitor their use of copyrighted material so the school and/or district doesn't get sued. In addition, showing respect for copyright laws teachers students this importance as well because they may need to know these issues in their future whether it is at college or on the job.
It is key that teachers take responsibility for following copyright laws since they are examples and role models for students who will be affected by copyright for the rest of their adult lives.
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