With the many changes in technology since the Copyright Act was passed, following that law has become increasingly complex. Educators need to understand the law, and how to apply it in various situations. This fastback addresses some of the key issues of copyright law with particular attention to new technologies. After a brief history of the copyright law is given, penalties for copyright infringement are outlined. Next is a description of fair use conditions for photocopying, videotape, taping broadcast television programs, cable television programming, satellite television programming, and distance learning networks. Discussion then moves to computers and copyright, discussing multimedia, materials placed on electronic reserve by educators, and electronic publishing. Contains 32 references: 13 books and articles, 3 internet sites, and 6 laws and Congressional reports. (AEF)