This is the last part of the laws and rulings that has something to do with all students including the online and distance students. I will briefly describe the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization Act.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 or FERPA is also known as the Buckley Amendment. This act pertains to the federal guidelines that protect the privacy of student records. Under this act, the students have the right to inspect and review their educational records, request for amendments of any inaccurate or misleading information; and to be informed through written notice should the school needs to release any information from a student’s education record.
However, FERPA authorize schools to release those records, without consent, to the School officials with legitimate educational interest; other schools to which a student is transferring; specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes; appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student; or to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena.
The Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization Act or TEACH Act on the other hand entitle educators a separate set of rights, in addition to fair use, to exhibit and present the works of other in the classroom. Recently, the TEACH Act revises the U.S. Copyright Act and expands the extent of educators’ rights to perform and exhibit works and to make the copies integral to such performances and displays for distance learning programs.