A question for teachers: What do you think of cameras in the classroom? [View all]
I was generally opposed to surveillance cameras anywhere. Mostly, I continue to be so. The authorities, however, seem not to care what I think and hive installed all manner of cameras in all manner of places. Grudgingly, I have to admit that there is an upside to them, although I continue to be opposed to them.
That intro sets the stage for my question to the teachers amongst us. What do you think about cameras monitoring your classrooms?
This question was inspired by our dinner conversation tonight. We were talking about that teacher in California who was accused of molesting kids under the guise of a game, taking pictures of bound children, and getting the film developed at a CVS. The developing tech saw the pictures and notified the cops (as required by law).
Cameras in that guy's classroom would eliminate any doubt of what he did to the kids. No "he said/they said" back and forth. As bad cops get caught by their own dash cams, so would that guy have been caught by his classroom's camera.
On the flip side, teachers stand some risk of being wrongly accused by a manipulative child. Sparkly's ex is a music teacher in a public high school. As an arts teacher, he is all too often the object of some student or another's crush. (No, there is no chance whatsoever he invites or welcomes it.) His biggest fear over the years is some child accusing him of some wrong doing.
I use that as an example only because it is one I know.
On balance, I can see where more good than harm could come of cameras in the classroom. But I'm not a teacher.
What do you think?
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