Since September, the community has been buzzing about a district policy that makes camera use optional in distance learning. Comments made in the grocery store lines and over the fence have been emphasized by extreme eye-rolling. "Kids can't be trusted!" was one claim made at the Teacher Town school board meeting. Yet teachers have been thoughtful about how to measure engagement in meaningful ways, and as it turns out, it has little to do with two eyes, a nose, and a mouth.
In fact, students seated at desks in classrooms provide no guarantee of focus and attention. Until MIT completes its prototype of mindreading headsets, instruction must continue without interruption. In the meantime, students are encouraged to make their presence known in myriad ways: unmuted and outloud, chat comments, breakout rooms, photos of their notebook, exit ticket surveys. Of course, the good old fashioned one-on-one call for a friendly pep talk can do wonders.
When one resolute parent insisted that their child use the camera, the teacher provided an update: "I'm fairly sure the child is watching Netflix during my lesson--probably a comedy based on his smile." She followed up with more specifics about the nature of class participation. "This case is not closed," but she added that in the next class, the kid was a superstar, and she has no idea if he was having a good hair day or not.
Camera off, camera on. Teacher Town is learning that there's more to a student than a face.
Yes... encouraging camera use all day long can be a struggle. I’m finding in 1:1 situations, students are more open to turn on their cameras. Love your last line.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting take. Where we live, we cannot require, only encourage, and most teachers have gotten pretty good and communicating participation and engagement and all the different ways it can look. Kids have choices then and agency. Thanks for your thinking on an important topic of the times.
ReplyDeleteIndeed the community has been buzzing! I loved this line "Comments made in the grocery store lines and over the fence have been emphasized by extreme eye-rolling" which so accurately transports the reader to a very specific setting.
ReplyDeleteThere have definitely been some on-camera moments that I can never unsee. Your point that face time is only a single data point is very insightful.
ReplyDeleteCamera usage is beginning to feel like enforcing the dress code...pick your battles folks! I relate to this line: "I'm fairly sure the child is watching Netflix during my lesson--probably a comedy based on his smile." One of my camera-on, mic-muted students bursts out laughing at least once during class, and I'm certain I am the butt of a joke. "Man, turn your camera off, will you!"
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