Should Coaches use Cameras in the Classroom to Help Teachers Grow?
Cameras in the classroom have become a growing trend to support teachers and enhance their professional development. Teacher preparation and ongoing support have gained significant attention in the United States, with educators required to demonstrate yearly growth and complete professional development hours to maintain their credentials
Video Technology in the Classroom
Case-based learning, although not widely publicized, is emerging as a recent trend in education. This approach utilizes real-world scenarios to promote higher levels of cognition, aligning with frameworks like Bloom's Taxonomy. By applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations, students develop problem-solving skills and think creatively, preparing them for future careers.
Video technology in classrooms offers a unique perspective for teachers to observe and reflect on their practice. Sarah Brown Wessling, the 2010 National Teacher of the Year, advocates for using video as a tool to challenge herself and gain clearer insights into her classroom dynamics and student learning. This approach allows teachers to directly connect with their individual learning and growth.
The use of video recordings for personal and group analysis has become an effective method for ongoing professional development. Video-based observations present teaching in an authentic setting, providing valuable data to support teachers in improving their practice. Teachers can work with coaches to focus on specific areas, select recording times, and schedule debriefing sessions, typically 24-48 hours after the recording.
Video Feedback for Teachers
Platforms like Edthena facilitate the upload of videos, providing feedback from coaches, standards alignment, and suggestions for next-step teaching strategies. The data collected from these sessions is analyzed to strengthen specific teaching practices in the classroom.
For teachers interested in implementing audio recording in their classrooms, here are some tips:
Start by recording a single class period for self-reflection.
Limit recordings to 30 minutes to ensure manageable review time.
Name audio files with "Period #, MMDDYY" for easy organization.
Use Google Drive folders to store and share audio files.
Practice using the recording app to become proficient in its features.
Experiment with seating arrangements to optimize recording quality.
While cameras in the classroom can be beneficial, it's important to consider potential drawbacks. Some educators argue that requiring students to keep their cameras on during virtual learning can lead to videoconference fatigue and may not account for economic inequities or unreliable connectivity. Striking a balance between class cohesion and privacy is crucial when implementing camera use in educational settings.
Citations:
Walker, T. (2015, January 23). Cameras in the classroom: Is Big Brother evaluating you? National Education Association. https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/cameras-classroom-big-brother-evaluating-you
McIm, D. (2023, March 1). Transforming education: Why case study-based learning is the future of learning. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/transforming-education-why-case-study-based-learning-daniel-mcim
Torchia, R. (2021, July 20). The pros and cons of requiring students to turn on their cameras. EdTech Magazine. https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2021/07/pros-and-cons-requiring-students-turn-their-cameras
Terada, Y. (2021, February 5). The camera-on/camera-off dilemma. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/camera-oncamera-dilemma/