You find an image online for your next classroom presentation. Copy, paste, done—no problem, right? But what if you download that same image and post it on your personal blog—does that change things?
Understanding when and how teachers can use copyrighted photos, images and other works is about respecting creators’ rights while also protecting yourself, especially as artificial intelligence tools make it easier for copyright holders to identify unauthorized use.
Under Canada’s Copyright Act, the creator of an original work has the exclusive right to reproduce, publish and distribute that work. Material found online is not automatically free to use unless permission has been granted or a clear exception applies.
In the classroom, teachers benefit from “fair dealing” provisions, which allow limited use of copyrighted material for purposes such as education, research and private study. This means a teacher may display or use an image as part of instruction without seeking permission, provided the use is directly connected to teaching and not shared beyond that context.
For more information on using copyrighted materials, see the full Worth Knowing on this topic.
