Hey #academictwitter: As we prep for an at least part-online semester, we have to have a convo about the “cameras on” policy for synchronous video classes. Here I raise q’s and challenge us to consider/re-consider our priors. In the end, you must decide what’s right. 1/8

What is a “cameras on” policy? It is requiring students in synchronous online classes to have their videocams on so we can see them, their faces, their reactions as we teach class. It isn’t the warmth of in person teaching, but it creates a community-like space. But ... 2/8

A “cameras on” policy may highlight inequalities among students. It can be embarrassing/hard for those w/ parenting/home-care duties. It damages privacy. It can subject students (mostly women) to online harassment through screen grabs uploaded to porn or “hot or not” sites. 3/8

These aren’t hypothetical concerns. In 1 semester of online teaching, my classes were zoombombed twice, four students had pictures of them uploaded for others to see, 8 students didn’t want others to see where they lived given their socioeconomic status. 4/8

What is gained by a “cameras on” policy? A warmer, more engaged academic environment. Maybe. Ask yourself: Is that more about how *you* feel as a teacher teaching to a bunch of black squares or about student learning? 5/8

A “cameras on” policy may encourage students to be physically & mentally engaged. Yes. But are there other way to do that w/o compromising student safety, equity, and privacy? Is a “cameras on” policy a bandaid bc we haven’t, as teachers, fully explored other tools? 6/8

Does a “cameras on” policy make sense if you’re recording classes to make them available to students who, for tons of valid Covid-related reasons, can’t make it to class all the time? What does having students’ faces in the recording add pedagogically? 7/8

I have my own views on this and respect that academic freedom allows us to make our own decisions about our classes. I just hope we ask all the right questions (and I’m sure there are more!). 8/8