Music Videos Help Educators and Students Conquer Copyright Confusion

"Can an animated little bird and a skater girl help young people learn about the concept of intellectual property? Can a 'Schoolhouse Rock' style music video help people appreciate their social responsibilities and rights under copyright law?

Researchers at Temple University's Media Education Lab have created two animated music videos to clarify the purpose of copyright and the doctrine of fair use. Catchy lyrics and clever visuals help people understand how 'context and situation determine how fair use applies' to the use of copyrighted materials. A solid understanding of copyright and fair use is especially important for the use of remix practices that are now common on You Tube, MySpace and other social networking sites. That's why they've posted their music videos to You Tube.

'Music makes information memorable. Abstract legal concepts can be expressed and remembered through engaging tunes and humorous visuals. These music videos give viewers a foundation for thinking critically about copyrightand fair use,' said executive producer and Media Education Lab founder Professor Renee Hobbs of the School of Communications and Theater at Temple University."