Table of Contents

Camera On or Off?

The Girl That Got Her Revenge ll

Short Story 2: Teenage Super

Taylor Swift - Folklore - Album Review

Stem Corner: The Fourth Dimension

Processed? (Sports Article)

Your Daily Dose of Poetry

Local Hikes and Walks in KOP

Book Recommendations

Letter to the Reader

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Camera On or Off?

By: Lorelei Bonifanti

them, when in school we can usually just talk to the teacher one-on-one.

Should Students Be Required to put their cameras on during Zoom?

In our zoom classes, unlike many schools that are doing virtual learning this year, we are not required by the school to put our camera on so that the teacher and students can see us. However, some teachers encourage students to put their cameras on frequently, while other teachers make it more of a requirement for them to be on for the duration of class for various reasons. While there are definitely reasons students should be enforced to put their cameras on, there are surely just as many reasons that students prefer to have their cameras off during class, so that they are not visible to their classmates. 

For the argument that students should be obligated to be seen on zoom, being able to see their students lets the teachers know how a student may feel or what they might think about the lesson through emotions that show on the pupil’s faces. It’s hard to see easily whether the class is understanding a lesson when you can’t see their face and can only see a blank screen. An argument against this would be that the students can use the reactions or participant bar on zoom to show how they feel, or just tell the teacher. However, many students may be afraid to use these things since it then tells the whole class that they are having trouble with something, which might embarrass

On the other hand, lots of virtual learners like to keep their cameras off during class because they don’t want the whole class to see their face zoomed in and focused on their iPads. Since zoom has a grid of students displaying each classmate’s profile for the entire class to see, this is slightly frightening to some students to think about. Because of this,they decide to turn their camera off so that they are more comfortable and focused on the lesson, rather than worrying about how they look on the screen. It’s surely important for each student to be comfortable during their classes because it’s difficult to pay attention to what the teacher is saying when they are also looking at themselves and fixing their appearance constantly-which is something I’ve noticed and done myself-when the student is on camera. Of course, during in-person school, all of our classmates can see us the entire class, simply because we’re sitting there with all of them, and there’s no way to disappear like you can on Zoom. But, in class, not everyone is looking at about 10 students at the same time the way the zoom grid has set up. 

Another reason keeping ourselves visible is a good idea is that when we have our camera on, is because it’s a nice way to further connect with our peers, especially since when in breakout rooms, students are usually supposed to collaborate with their classmates and work on whatever’s been assigned together and it’s awkward enough without feeling like your talking to a screen, which you are, but it feels better seeing human faces in that instance.

them, when in school we can usually just talk to the teacher one-on-one.

On the other hand, lots of virtual learners like to keep their cameras off during class because they don’t want the whole class to see their face zoomed in and focused on their iPads. Since zoom has a grid of students displaying each classmate’s profile for the entire class to see, this is slightly frightening to some students to think about. Because of this,they decide to turn their camera off so that they are more comfortable and focused on the lesson, rather than worrying about how they look on the screen. It’s surely important for each student to be comfortable during their classes because it’s difficult to pay attention to what the teacher is saying when they are also looking at themselves and fixing their appearance constantly-which is something I’ve noticed and done myself-when the student is on camera. Of course, during in-person school, all of our classmates can see us the entire class, simply because we’re sitting there with all of them, and there’s no way to disappear like you can on Zoom. But, in class, not everyone is looking at about 10 students at the same time the way the zoom grid has set up. 

Another reason keeping ourselves visible is a good idea is that when we have our camera on, is because it’s a nice way to further connect with our peers, especially since when in breakout rooms, students are usually supposed to collaborate with their classmates and work on whatever’s been assigned together and it’s awkward enough without feeling like your talking to a screen, which you are, but it feels better seeing human faces in that instance.

However, back to the argument for keeping student’s cameras off, students may feel like their privacy is being invaded by having their whole class be able to see their room or wherever they’re doing their work and may rightfully want to keep that private. Of course, you can combat this by picking a specific area that doesn’t reveal too much that the student doesn’t want to be shown. 

Another perspective that should be taken into account is that of the teacher’s. I asked Mrs. Feliciano about her take on the situation and why she thinks students should have their cameras on during class. 

What’s easier for you as a teacher, to work with students when you’re in-person or on Zoom?

Why is it important for students to have their cameras on during P.E.? 

I really encourage my students to have their cameras on in P.E. for safety reasons and also to see if the students are doing challenges correctly. It is much different than an academic class, as we are doing some challenging things and I want to make sure all of the students are staying involved and remain on task so he/she does not get hurt doing a workout properly and no one gets hurt.

Though it maybe shouldn’t be enforced, there’s definitely a good reason to keep your camera on during classes and it’ll definitely help your teachers and fellow classmates and make it feel like you’re back in the classroom again. 🔹

Do you think students should be required to keep their cameras on in all classes-why or why not?

Yes, I think all students should have their cameras on so the teacher can see if they are on task and also to read body language. I can usually tell by a facial expression if a student is having trouble doing an exercise or workout.

I can then give feedback in the chat and not in the class setting. I ENJOY SEEING MY STUDENTS ON A DAILY BASIS AND IT IS SAD FOR ME WHEN THE SCREEN IS OFF. I feel if they do not want their living situation to be seen they could put up a background screen. It is so much nicer for me to see my students daily than to teach to a black screen with a name on it. 

What’s easier for you as a teacher, to work with students when you’re in-person or on Zoom?

Absolutely easier to teach and work with students in person.  Although, teaching virtual is going well for me and my students.  We are doing the best we can and still getting a workout in each day. I have been teaching for 37 years and this is surely an experience I will never forget. I just want everyone to stay healthy and safe during this trying time. 

Thanks so much to Mrs. Feliciano for the interview!

Though it maybe shouldn’t be enforced, there’s definitely a good reason to keep your camera on during classes and it’ll definitely help your teachers and fellow classmates and make it feel like you’re back in the classroom again. 🔹

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