Cameras for teacher evaluations

 It would appear Big Brother might be paying a visit to our education settings sooner than expected. Wyoming Representative Steve Harshman (R) introduced a bill to the state legislature calling for cameras to be used in teacher evaluations and monthly reviews. Until now, cameras have only been used as a self-help tool and a security measure. The bill has strong support from a number of representatives. Currently, teachers are skeptical about basing their reviews off the evaluations students hand in. Harshman believes recording lessons is a way to bring a human element into the current system.

I can get where Harshman is coming from but using cameras for evaluations, at least for now, is still a bad idea for a couple of reasons. The first point comes from Former Boston school Principal Kim Marshall who told Christian Science Monitor:

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“Could you do [the evaluation] by looking at the camera? Yes, but I think it's far better to get into the classroom...and talk to the kids and look at the work they are doing. [A camera] might become an excuse for the principal to just sit in the office...looking at the screen."

As discussed in class, face-to-face communication is the richest form of communication a person can find. A camera is good for capturing close up images of the person being recorded, but lacks the spontaneity and the emotion of a face-to-face interaction. Not to mention it creates a better environment on the whole. For example, face-to-face interaction allows you to reduce your anxiety with the other person and determine what, if any, relationship you want to have with this person (kudos to anyone who can remember this theory without looking).

Karen
Gotlieb and her daughter, Savanna Williams,
on The Early Show.  (CBS)

Another reason cameras should not be used is it can destroy relationships between the people in the education setting if used incorrectly. Lower Merion High School in PA illustrates what can happen if technology falls into the wrong hands. In 2009, Merion issued laptops to their students for educational purposes. What Lower Merion High School failed to mention to their students was administrators were using the webcams in those laptops to spy on their students. One student filed a lawsuit in February 2010. The reaction to the case was nothing short of an uproar. Students expressed their disgust and many worried the school was watching them around the clock. 

Whether or not schools in Wyoming will be ethical in their camera use remains to be seen. For right now, it is probably for the best cameras remain out of the classroom and schools stay away from turning into a setting that resembles Orwell’s classic novel.

Cell phones in high school

Oh the joys of cell phones. Many people own one and use it liberally throughout the day. When the technology first began making waves, high school students faced a bit more backlash for using cell phones. Today, it would appear the use of this now age-old technology has reached a happy medium in terms of policy and use. Many schools have rules set for technology use.  Yet,only some reflect the growing trend that students can use their phones responsibly.

Many high school districts across the country have some  policy in regards to not only cell phone use, but other digital devices such as blackberries and mp3 players. These policies are similar and hit middle ground with students and faculty. Under these rules students are not allowed to use their phones during class time. The consequences of this infraction result in cell phone confiscation. Repeatedly breaking the rules set down the school results in school officials contacting the parents.

Some schools allow students to use their technology between classes, during lunch, and after school believing it curtails having to enforce rules. Principal Rod Smith of EHOVE high school in Ohio felt it helps students become more responsible, telling the Sandusky Register:

“I think the students understand what we're trying to do," he said. "If they're going to set the stage for the future in our schools and set policy, I think they're going to live up to it."

This is a step away from the first attempts to regulate cell phone. Back in 2008 when the issue of cell phones in high schools was first coming to light, school districts were trying to figure out how adjust to the fact students even had cell phones. High school students and faculty saw cell phone potential in different ways. In Salt Lake City, students did not view the use of their cell phones as a problem while faculty viewed cell phone use as something that needed to be stopped. Some school districts, like Saranac Lake (see video below), took the approach of an all out ban.
 


Even today, other schools still believe strict enforcement of the rules is the best way to go. The Mukilteo School district in Lynnwood WA, is working on banning the use of telecommunication devices, including cell phones during school hours. One principal in the district, Mike Gallagher believes this is a way to protect students from such dangers as cyber-bullying.

Some High school students have just about as much use of a cell phone during school as an adult would have during their job. Others still face restrictions regarding their use. However, for the most part, it would appear schools do agree some form of policy must exist in order to create a safe and comfortable learning environment.

Test post

Here's my test post to see if my blog works. Here's a little music to listen to via this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LHapzoUkgQ

It's a different version of the song Black Balloons by the Goo Goo Dolls. Enjoy