Blackman: Should Colleges (And Law Schools) Force Students To Turn Their Cameras On In Online Classes?

Josh Blackman (South Texas), Should Colleges Force Students To Turn Their Cameras On?:

Zoom University will soon be in session. I suspect many faculties are wrangling with an issue: should students be forced to turn their cameras on during class?

I can see several arguments in favor of requiring students to turn on their cameras. First, if students know they are being watched, they are more likely to stay in one place and pay attention. ... Second, a professor is better able to gauge a student's understanding by looking at his or her face. ... Third, the camera helps to ensure integrity of attendance rules. ...

There are several arguments against requiring students to turn on their cameras. First, and foremost, is privacy. ... Second, students may not wish to have their backgrounds visible to others. ... Third, there is a technological problem. ...

I can see the pros and cons. I think the general policy should be that professors have the discretion to ask their students to turn on their cameras, but students can ask the professor to opt out. If there are concerns about attendance, a professor can drop an "easter egg" at a specific point to ensure the student watched the entire class.