Last week I shared via social media students should not be required to turn on their cameras in virtual or remote learning. The comments came rolling in! Some responses were in support of this position. Others alluded to the need for visual engagement with students for reasons to include wellness check-ins, attendance, and meeting the current expectations of a shifting education system. 

These responses were insightful and I highlight several below:

"I know there's a lot to consider with this, but I agree. I overheard one of my son's teachers (7th grade) asking another student to turn her camera on while they were working independently, and then asking her to give a reason why she would rather not. It was painful to hear, as the student was put on the spot in front of everyone and had to share something she clearly was avoiding as it was personal and didn't affect her ability to do her work." 

"I feel like ultimately, as educators, our goals for students should go beyond facts and data and should ultimately be preparing them for the adult world. I completely respect the importance of rapport in relationship building but feel that by continually providing comfort, we cheat students of uncomfortable growth opportunities."

"Yep! I don’t require it! As long as they engage somehow with turning on their mic, writing in the chat box, or writing on the whiteboard. Just something. The platform we use allows them raise their hand (I call it their computer hand) and even that is a way to show they are engaged."

"Seems like there are other ways to check for engagement, like the chat feature, hand raising feature, polling, etc. I frequently don't have my camera on for work, or otherwise will use a virtual background."

Which response resonates with you the most? 

I value each response and it is essential we have dialogue on this as we best educational practices for students learning virtually, in-person, or hybrid emerge. In my opinion, students should not be required to turn on their cameras against the student's comfort level for the following reasons:

1. Contrary to popular belief, engagement in a virtual/digital setting is personal and intimate especially from ones home environment. It is a space where one must be comfortable sharing with others. This may take time but points to the relevance of building rapport with students. 

2. Checking for a student's presence is essential. However, there are a variety of methods to check for a student's presence to include the phone, voice chat, written chat features, surveys and polling.

3. Teachers are mandated reporters and our goal is to ensure the safety of our students. In the virtual environment this will look different and go beyond merely seeing students via camera. There are other indicators in the virtual environment that serve as "red flags" to include a student's disengagement in the course. However, in this time of COVID-19 School Districts and Educators must employ a multifaceted approach to reaching out to ensure overall safety and wellness. For example, during the distribution of technology or other resources at the schools during designated times, counselors and teachers can be on hand to provide support.

4. Students who are not comfortable with turning on their camera often are ostracized for not having their camera on and there can be a variety of reasons for the discomfort. 

Ultimately, it is important for educators to reflect and ask themselves what the goal of a virtual meeting or synchronous virtual session is. For many teachers requiring students to turn on their cameras is a mandate. In this instance, consider asking students ahead of time how comfortable they are in individual and group virtual settings with their camera on. Give students options for engaging virtually. It is a tedious task but building rapport and establishing relationships is often a challenge but essential in ensuring ones learning environment is optimal.