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Rooster. · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 247

So I was recently informed that my work is meaning to install cameras in the classrooms. Those of us working here are not fond of the idea and don't want it to go through. A little background: this is a private school with young kids, the parents have not/will not be informed until after the installation. We, the teachers, don't want the cameras either.

Is it legal for this to go through? If not, could someone say how it's not and provide a link to the law?

Pitarou · Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Posts: 1116 Location: Narita, Japan

Rooster. · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 247

The owner will have access and apparently the video will be saved to the internet or some database. I don't know if there will be sound. I don't think that the classrooms are currently networked.

I don't see a way of informing parents without it getting back.

Pitarou · Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Posts: 1116 Location: Narita, Japan

I can think of two reasons for doing this:

1. To protect everyone from false accusations of classroom misconduct.

2. As an instrument of control.

If it's just the former, be happy.

If it's the latter, well, I'm sure this is just one chapter in an ongoing saga. But, assuming you're not concealing things from him, I don't think it will make that much difference. And if he lets you watch some of the videos, I'm sure you'll learn a thing or two about your teaching style.

If you feel the guy really is making crazy demands of you as a teacher, and that the camera removes your final defences, I guess it's time to start sending out your resume because, whatever happens with the cameras, this is clearly a warning sign that things aren't going to get any easier.

As for the ethics, and notwithstanding what I said earlier, the decision about when to tell the parents is not yours to make. I know I said it's unacceptable (I'd certainly be annoyed about it if it was my kid), but if anyone is held to account for this, it will be the owner, not you.

And the law? Does the owner have a history of doing legally stupid things? If he doesn't, then I would tend to assume that owner knows what he's doing, and he's taken appropriate legal measures.

Rooster. · Joined: 13 Mar 2012 Posts: 247

Thanks, I guess the only thing I can really do is to see what happens.

rxk22 · Joined: 19 May 2010 Posts: 1629

Did they discuss this with you? I'd vote with my feet if I were you.
Also web casts are easily hacked. Wonder if parents want their kids on the net e everyday on a unsecured feed? Hint hint

Pitarou · Joined: 16 Nov 2009 Posts: 1116 Location: Narita, Japan