Using Videos In the Classroom

Guidelines For Legal Use of Movies and Videos In Your Classroom

The following information provides guidelines for legal presentation of movies in the classroom.  Please contact JoAnna Watson, Assistant Director of Digital Learning and Library Services if you have questions or concerns about this topic.

 

Can I show movies in my classroom?

If you would like to show a movie to your students, first check the Swank Movie Licensing USA site for titles covered under our district subscription.  Movies on this list can be shown in any format:  DVD or a personal streaming service AND they may be used for curriculum support, lunch or recess entertainment, after school clubs, etc.

What if the movie isn't listed on the Swank Movie Licensing USA list but I have the DVD?

If the movie you wish to show is not on the Swank Movie Licensing USA list, but you have the DVD, you may show the DVD as curriculum support under this exemption to copyright law. 

If you wish to just show short clips of a video that you have on a DVD, that is covered under this exemption to copyright law. 

If the movie title is not listed on the Swank Movie Licensing USA list, you may not show that movie for any reason other than curriculum support in the classroom.

What if I don't have the DVD, it's not listed on the Swank Movie Licensing USA list but I have a personal streaming subscription such as Disney+, Amazon Video, etc.?

If you wish to show a movie that is not on the Swank Movie Licensing USA list and you do not have the DVD, you may not use a personal streaming service subscription such as Disney+, Netflix**, etc.   

**Netflix has some Netflix Original Documentaries which you can show through your personal account.  Please check this link before  showing in your classroom.

The following resources are approved for streaming content in the classroom:
Brainpop
Discovery Education
Culturegrams
Mystery Science Logo
National Science Foundation
pbs media