Create 3.1.2 Fair Use and the TEACH Act

How does an understanding of Fair Use affect one’s role as an online instructor?

As an online instructor for GVL, I must make it a priority to understand and adhere to the Fair Use policy regarding copyright usage of learning materials in a digital environment. In an earlier training module, responsible digital citizenry was discussed. As a teacher I must model the type of behavior I would like my students to display. 

Fair Use has a 4-part litmus test:

1)The purpose and character of the use

2)The nature of the work

3)The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the work as a whole

4)The affect of the use on the market or potential market for the original work

How do Fair Use and the TEACH Act correlate to the delivery of reliable content?

 By abiding by the Fair Use policy and the TEACH Act (Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act), basically the Fair Use policy parsed out for educators, I ensure that my students will receive and utilize informational sources that are not in violation of copyright law. indirectly putting them at risk of unknowingly infringing upon a creator's copyrights. Such a violation could lead to receipt of a "Cease and Desist Letter" from the creator or the creator's attorney. Potentially, there could be a fine for the student, teacher and/or school system. This is a serious matter.

This type of violation, intentional or unintentional, jeopardizes the democratization of the Internet and the immense power (and privilege/freedom of self-expression and economic self-direction) that it grants the individual.