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This is info from Barry's email sent out 12/7/22 with Swank Q&A topics
Q: What is Swank?
A: Swank is a for-fee streaming video service that makes movies and other digital media available for schools in a way that is not in violation of copyright or fair-use laws. Pascack Valley Regional now provides Swank to all teaching faculty for use with students.
Q: Why are we switching to this?
A: To this point, if a teacher wanted to show a streaming video clip from a movie in class, chances are in many cases it was violating copyright law and fair use law. (More on that in a moment). The district wants to make sure that we are in compliance with the law, modelling good digital citizenship rules, and making informed choices on media that we use for instructional purposes.
Q: I thought if it was for educational purposes I could show movies in class?
A: Sort of. In many cases this is true, unless you are utilizing a "Consumer Focussed Streaming Service" (including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney +, Hulu, HBO Go, etc.) where the individual user agreement that you agreed to (and most likely didn't read) prohibits its use in a "public venue", including school.
Q: What about a purchased DVD?
A: A legally purchased DVD (not copied) may be used for face-to-face instruction in school.
A: Open Safari. (This is important). Go to https://digitalcampus.swankmp.net/pv395082/ . (It is suggested that you bookmark this site. Swank will not stream through your classroom projector if you use Chrome. You must use Safari). You log in using your district Gmail credentials. You use the Search function to search for a movie that you want to use as a clip for instruction. If Swank has the video in the catalog, it will appear and you can click "play".
Q: What if Swank doesn't have the video I'd like to use in its catalog but it could be requested?
A: You should talk to your supervisor. If they approve of its use, they can put in a request on your behalf to have Swank add the movie to their catalog, if available.
Q: What if Swank doesn't have the movie I'd like to use and it cannot be requested?
A: Discuss with your supervisor about other options. This may include purchasing the DVD, using free educational services such as TeacherTube, Hoopla, or Kanopy.
Q: I want to have students watch a movie to supplement a topic we are studying, but I don't want to use several days of class to watch the film in class. Do I have options with Swank?
A: Yes! When you find the movie on Swank you wish to use, you can click on "Share". There are two options, get a link to share (that can be emailed) or "Copy LMS Link" which can be embedded into your Canvas page. These links give your students access to stream the movie for free through Swank at home. If you want them to watch a clip and not the whole film, it is suggested you indicate a time range. (i.e. "Watch from 14:35-21:45".)
Q: What are some best practices when it comes to viewing films in class?
A: Most importantly, be sure you have viewed the film you wish to use before you show it to ensure it matches up with your objectives and the curriculum standards you are teaching! You never want to show something you haven't seen. Second, while viewing in class, stop the film clip at various points to ensure students are picking up on connections or to answer questions. If the movie is rated "R", it is suggested that you utilize a permission slip to inform parents what their child will be viewing and why they are viewing it.
Q: So I can't use my (Netflix, Disney +, Hulu, Prime Video, etc) account in school anymore?
A: We understand this is a transition. As we switch over to this new Swank system, those sites may be used until January 13, 2023. After January 13, those sites will be blocked on the school's IP address and the apps removed from the iPads.