Streaming Video in the Classroom

Streaming Video

With the rise in home streaming services and the decrease in physical formats, such as VHS and DVDs, let's take a look at how we, as teachers, are able to continue to show quality content within the classroom. 

We've put together guidelines that enable you to still utilize streaming services, such as Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime but with the understanding that only specific content is covered. 

Like many districts around the country in the age of streaming, we have researched and found a public performance license through Swank Movie Licensing USA that enables us to play video within the classroom and other indoor large group events. 

The guidelines linked to every building library site walk you through a quick answer and a long answer as to why this public performance license is necessary, including the copyright law and license agreements made with single-home streaming services. It also offers you three simple steps on how to continue to stream: 

What Can You Stream?

We have multiple avenues to maintain the ability to stream:

1. Check Netflix’s Original Documentary List - Link
2. Check Swank Movie Licensing USA site for content covered under our subscription for you to show via any format (DVD, streaming subscriptions, etc.). Link
3. Utilize the various options below (linked on our district site) that provides excellent streaming content for the classroom.
• PBS LearningMedia, Discovery Education, BrainPOP, etc.

Being told that we can't do something because of copyright law and license user agreements isn't fun...so true! However, as you know, we have an obligation, as educators, to teach our students and each other that their creativity, published content, and products have value, just like the content we consume on a daily basis. 

One final and super important note!Our end-goal is to provide you with all of the tools you need to continue doing the amazing job you're already doing within the classroom. Streaming services are unblocked for staff and accessible in your classroom. 

If there is content that you want to show but is not listed under our movie licensing site or Netflix original documentary list, please let Kristin Dages or your building media specialist know. We will reach out to the publishers or filmmakers for written consent to show it in the classroom. We've done it before with success!

Link to Guidelines

Thanks for reading and for all you do in the classroom! 

As streaming services update, we'll continue to adapt and communicate any changes.