Agreeing On a Cameras On / Cameras Off Expectation with Learners in Virtual Classes

Cameras on or camera off? That is the question! There are lots of reasons why learners may want to keep their cameras turned off during online classes. They may not want classmates who they do not know to see their homes or the family members, including children. They also may not want people to see them, as they may not have had a chance to get ready for the day. Being on camera can also just feel draining, and the self-view may be distracting to some. But, the benefits of being able to see learners’ faces and their mouths during class are undeniable. With cameras on, tutors and teachers can see if they have learners’ attention as well as their facial expressions and mouth position for pronunciation in English classes. And, it’s easier for learners to build relationships with each other if their cameras are on. So, what to do? 

Because expectations for both learner and teacher classroom behavior can be very different from one person to another, it’s important that they are explicit. It’s also important that learners are involved in crafting the expectations. So, begin with a discussion with students, perhaps first in small group breakout rooms, if language and digital literacy skill level allow. Ask them whether they feel comfortable with cameras on and the reasons for the level of (dis)comfort. Ask them if it’s helpful for them to see your face and mouth during class, and let them know the reasons it’s helpful for you to see theirs. Try to get a better understanding of why the particular learners you work with might want to have their cameras off. There may be a reason you haven’t thought of. Keep in mind your positional power and the fact that if learners sense you want cameras on, they may try to accommodate your wishes simply because you are the teacher. 

If the general consensus is that learners feel comfortable with their cameras on for most of the class, begin to make it a virtual classroom expectation and periodically remind them that you agreed on it collectively. Consider using a slide like this one provided by Open Door EL Teacher Michelle Vidovic. If a good number of learners share reasons for why they want to keep cameras off, allow them that, and revisit the conversation again in a few weeks.

For questions or comments about this tutor tip, contact Tutor Training Coordinator, Meghan Boyle at mboyle@literacymn.org.  

Reference

The Camera-On/Camera-Off Dilemma