Reading Aloud: Fair Use Enables Translating Classroom Practices to Online Learning - Google Docs

"In recent days, as many teachers have faced an abrupt shift to online teaching, there have been questions about how copyright law applies to the translation of classroom-based practices of reading aloud to students to the digital environment.  While many well-intentioned commentators have warned teachers against this practice, the fact is that copyright law -- specifically fair use -- permits many read-aloud activities online. As instructors and learners adapt to new educational environments, copyright concerns about reading aloud need not be among the challenges they face.

Reading aloud engages communities in critical thinking and community-building activities that are key to learning and development.  It is exactly this special utility of reading aloud in education that is the key to understanding why fair use applies to it so broadly and robustly.

As we explain below, fair use is a limit on copyright law that allows you to use a copyrighted work for a new transformative purpose that doesn’t harm the core market for the original. ..."