What are the implications of copyright issues for educators?

Most of the implications for educators comes into effect from the copyright laws. As teachers it is difficult to know all of the rules and regulations of the copyright laws. Personally, whenever i try and use technology whether a book, picture, DVD, CD, or website i always do my best to cite the author or give them credit for the work they have already completed. There was actually a professional development segment this year about copyright and stealing other people's work. It is actually really scary because the littlest things can be considered illegal in the copyright laws.

I guess the biggest problem or implications with technology for educators is that it can be really time consuming. Teachers already have a full load and when they have to ask for permission or be absolutely sure they have given credit to someone for their picture of Mark Twain can be really annoying. Having to contact another scholar is nerve wreaking too. My principal had me call to check to see if it would be okay if i showed a short clip of The Westing Game on my computer to the students. Like i said, although it is frustrating, it is always better to be safe than sorry. The last thing any teacher needs is to be bothered by copyright laws when trying to teach their students as much as they can!