The Smartcopying website is a one-stop-shop when it comes to understanding copyright issues that are pertinent to schools. Schools are unable to ‘plead ignorance’ when it comes to breeches of copyright and must have a good understanding of guidelines across the board. Below is a common teacher and student question that often arises in my own context; followed by my own answers as I understand them to be, according to information provided on the Smartcopying website.
Teacher Question:
For our primary school Easter hat parade, am I able to stream music from a Spotify playlist to use throughout the parade? Are the rules different if it were for:
- streaming with students/teachers at the parade only?
- streamed while parents are on-site to view the performance?
- streamed, with the parade being recorded for posting on social media sites (to share with families and the wider community)?
Answer:
Yes, it is allowable to stream music for the parade. This is the case for students/teachers only, parents on site and also having it recorded to upload to social media sites. The only potential issue is that social media platform software may identify it as ‘infringing content’ and may mute the sound or issue a ‘takedown notice’. The National Copyright Unit may be contacted to assist, if there is an issue.
Student Question:
I would like to create a Keynote presentation, using images I have googled. Is this ok?
Answer:
Generally, this is not ok as most images are copyrighted. Permission must be sought from the copyright owner to use such images. The alternative is to find images that are identified as ‘Creative Commons’. This is where the copyright owner has not given away copyright ownership, but has outlined the parameters by which the image may be used by others. It is ok to use these images, if the guidelines are adhered to.