City University of New York
City University of New York: Baruch College: Copyright
A thorough guide to copyright laws regarding different types of print and electronic media. Includes many links to articles, copyright and fair use laws, and other resources, as well as a video and, in the last section, a quiz to test...
ReadWriteThink
Read Write Think: Copyright Infringement or Not? The Debate Over Downloading Music
Contains plans for ten 50-minute lessons that use the issue of downloading music as the topic for persuasive debates. In addition to objectives and standards, this instructional plan contains links to PDF handouts and sites used in the...
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Introduction to Copyright Law
This MIT course covers a wide range of copyright issues in the digital age. Peer-to-peer file sharing, DVD encryption, fair use and GNU licensing are just a few of the topics discussed in the video lectures.
Cyberbee
Adventures of Cyberbee: Copyright Lesson Plan [Pdf]
This is a wonderful lesson about copyright. One of the activities allows students to actively think about copyright issues by listening to music and reviewing interesting court cases.
Other
The Copyright Society of the u.s.a: Copyright Kids
Introduces the concept of "copyright" by answering common questions, defining related terms, and providing sample permission letters. Highlighting the planning and work of school yearbook club, this site shows a variety of ways copyright...
Other
Temple University: Code of Best Practices in Fair Use for Media Literacy Ed
This multi-media website helps educators understand their rights concerning copyright materials for educational purposes. Copyright and fair use, case study videos, user rights, a PowerPoint presentation, and other useful resources are...
Other
School Tv: Music for Video Production
Choosing music for TV production is always a difficult task for students to perform. Questionable lyrics and copyright laws are always an issue. SchoolTV will shed some light on these problems in this "Music for Video Production" article.
Other
U.s. Copyright Office: Copyright Law of the u.s.a.
This site, presented by the Library of Congress and the U.S. Copyright Office, contains links to the text of the U.S. Copyright Law, updated to April 2000. The information is very in-depth on the subject.
Other
Cc Mixter Music Discovery: Audio Media Downloads
Have you ever created a good presentation but know its one step away from incredible? With Mixter "you already have permission" to access free copyright-friendly music and sound effects. Turn your good project into a great one with some...
Childnet
Childnet: Online Safety: Music, Film, Tv and the Internet
While the internet plays home to a fantastic range of content, not all of this content is accessed legally. It can be challenging to encourage children and young people to change the source of their content, particularly if they are not...
San Diego State University
San Diego State University: Sources of Copyright Friendly Media
A list of websites to look for photos, clip art, background textures, music, and sound effects that can be used for projects and presentations without violating copyright.
Read Works
Read Works: When Music Is a Steal
[Free Registration/Login Required] This nonfiction passage discusses the topic of illegal downloading of music. This passage is a stand-alone curricular piece that reinforces essential reading skills and strategies and establishes...
Constitutional Rights Foundation
Constitutional Rights Foundation: Copying Music and Movies From the Internet: Digital Piracy and Fair Use
Activity-based resource on digital piracy and fair use. Students read the literature on the topic and participate in a role play acting as congressional members arguing about the lawfulness of file sharing copyrighted material over the...
Other
National Music Publishers Association
NMPA is dedicated to the protection of music copyright across all media. It also distributes information to its members.
Cyberbee
Adventures of Cyberbee: Digital Audio Basics [Pdf]
Try this beginner's tutorial for recording sound on the computer. It covers the historical background of audio files, file formats, basic audio recording, synthesized music and copyright.
Other
Inf Ohio: Educational Multimedia Guidelines Tip Sheet [Pdf]
A ready-to-print tip sheet with guidelines for students and teachers about using text, video, pictures, music, and other materials and content sources without violating copyright.
Other
Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization
The web page for this copyright administrator for a variety of entertainment intellectual properties. In addition to comprehensive theatre library, site provides detailed biography and discography of artist and properties represented.
Northern Illinois University
Plagiarism
Student site which offers a basic explanation of plagiarism & links to plagiarism & particular topics, such as music, academics, & the internet.
Other
Ascap Official Website
The official site by The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). Of interest is the history of ASCAP as well as articles for those wanting to learn more about the music business.
PBS
Pbs News Hour: A Penny for Your Thoughts, Movies or Music?
The ethical implications of downloading entertainment are huge. Explore this issue with students using this lesson plan. Be sure to include your library media specialist in planning.
Other
Bmi Official Website
Information on the music licensing company BMI, including information on their members, artists, and legislation.