Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/copyright-for-education
Navigating the complexities of copyright law can often feel like walking through a minefield for educators and librarians. The fear of infringement can stifle creativity and limit the resources we bring into our classrooms and libraries. Fortunately, Coursera offers a gem of a course, “Copyright for Educators & Librarians,” that promises to transform this uncertainty into confidence.
This professional development course is meticulously designed to provide a foundational understanding of US copyright law, specifically tailored for those in the education and library sectors. The overview emphasizes a crucial point: copyright law is not an obstacle, but rather a tool designed to *help* educators and librarians. This empowering perspective is a refreshing departure from the often-intimidating discourse surrounding copyright.
The syllabus reveals a well-structured learning journey. It begins with a broad introduction, “Welcome to Copyright Law,” setting the stage for a practical, real-world approach. The course utilizes engaging examples, some even described as “amusing,” to make the systematic analysis of copyright problems more accessible and less daunting. The aim is to bridge the perceived gap between ideal teaching practices and legal permissibility, offering a more in-depth exploration than typical short workshops.
A key unit, “A Framework for Thinking about Copyright,” delves into the constitutional basis of copyright law, explaining its purpose in promoting the progress of science and the useful arts. It clarifies the distinction between copyright and patent law, laying a solid groundwork for understanding what copyright protects.
The module “Owning Rights” tackles essential concepts like copyright ownership in an educational context, the public domain, the first sale doctrine, and the vital idea/expression dichotomy. This latter concept, that ideas themselves aren’t copyrightable but their expression is, is highlighted as particularly insightful.
Crucially, the course dedicates a module to “Specific Exceptions for Teachers and Librarians,” focusing on Section 110(1) of US copyright law. This section is vital for understanding how copyright applies to both in-class and online instruction, as well as library lending practices. It also explores various licenses, including Creative Commons, and the process of requesting permissions.
Finally, the module “Understanding and Using Fair Use” empowers participants with knowledge of one of copyright law’s most significant provisions for educators. It defines Fair Use, explains its applicability, and even touches upon international copyright considerations.
Overall, “Copyright for Educators & Librarians” on Coursera is an invaluable resource. It demystifies a complex legal area, provides practical tools for analysis, and fosters a proactive approach to copyright. I highly recommend this course to any educator or librarian seeking to confidently integrate copyrighted materials into their work and create enriching learning experiences.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/copyright-for-education