Coping with Copyright Laws

It's the easiest and fastest way. It won't hurt anyone. It isn't even a big deal to do it. 

The 'it' in these three sentences refers to the violation of copyright laws.

So often, people buy into the lie that stealing someone else's work is the equivalent of "using your resources". The truth of the matter is that stealing music from different programs, copying information that isn't originally yours, and downloading movies without paying, are all ways in which one may violate the copyright laws. 

It's always important to go about using your resources in a God-honoring way, especially as an educator who is part of a school community. Proverbs 11:1 & 3 says, "The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him. The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." In light of these verses, it is vital to look into what you are using the internet to do, so that you are able to make sure you are using the web with integrity. Although some may think that copyright laws hold them back, in reality, there are plenty of ways to use informational sources.Copyright holders may have exclusive rights to their work, but fair use allows others to have partial access to media for educational purposes. The best way to be certain that you are not breaking a copyright law is to remember the statement "when in doubt, ask permission." 

It may be tedious to figure out what publications you have a right to, but in the end, it is worth it to know that you have integrity when it comes to coping with copyright laws. So, instead of just "using your resources," it is essential to go about "using your resources wisely".