Korean Job Discussion Forums

[robot]

I see a lot of online prep teachers teaching using published material that is not their own -- Barron's, Delta, ETS Official Guide, etc.

Is this copyright infringement? Or is it OK to use, just like a teacher in a class would use the book, so long as credit is given and no photocopies are made? Does it matter if the course charges a fee or not?

Any solid answers -- not just guesses -- or links to info on the subject would be appreciated.

[wuzza]

It varies from book to book, but most of them have it printed inside the cover. A lot of books have photocopiable sections and worksheets at the back. That's what you're paying for.

[agoodmouse]

Ddeubel copyright infringes like no other on this board. He's got about fifty copyrighted ESL/EFL textbooks fully scanned onto his website.

(Yes, to unethical people I look like a bad guy for calling him out on it)

[dean_burrito]

[agoodmouse]

Oh, sure. You can "steal" other teachers' methodologies from their pedagogical practices (e.g. watching their teaching and marking down notes), but outright copying their materials is wrong. That's what your university professor meant in a non-glib way.

[harlowethrombey]

on this same topic, be very aware that any materials you prepare for class are the intellectual property of the school.

THus, if you bust your butt and create a unit of great PPT with additional texts and quizes that you created yourself your school or coworker might later pass it off as their own work.

'Stealing' other teacher's techniques is universal and accepted, but outright copying and pasting someone else's work with your name on it is a form of theft, although you are on the short end of the stick up against your school.