Korean Job Discussion Forums

Geekgurl · Joined: 03 Mar 2010

So we found out recently that the camera's in our hagwon actually record. We were originially told that they were there but never on. We don't have anything to hide and we follow their scheduled lesson plans...I guess that its just kind of creepy. I know in the U.S. (not talking about government positions) you usually have to obtain a waiver from your employee letting them know of this surveillance.

So...do all hagwons have this? Is this a norm to have camera's monitor everything you do?

thegadfly · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

Last I heard, in Michigan at least, if there is video but no sound, and it is in a public area (not a bathroom ro changing room), then no waiver is required, nor do you even need to be informed that it is there....

I didn't enjoy working under those conditions (it wasn't teaching, it was retail), so I can extrapolate your displeasure...but at least now, if you get any complaints, you can demand that they "show me on the tape, or it never happened!"

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

You can't carry over laws in Michigan and try to apply them in Korea. I don't know where you get such ideas.

If you don't like the cameras, get another school. I am in China, and we teach both Koreans and Chinese students. The Korean parents huddle around the monitor with the camera feeds and watch classes.

Before working in Korea, I was worried about the idea. Now it doesn't matter. It can work more for you than against you.

1) Which would you rather have in your classroom, one cam or a dozen parents observing your class (causing a disruption because the students are talking to them).

2) If you are in a room with students, it can help show you are in fact teaching. If a student is misbehaving, parents are less likely to complain about you and do more parenting. I have found classes without any cams, books, or help the most difficult because no one cares. At least with a cam, if someone looks and wants to do something about what they see you can be sure it will be from what you actually did or you won't be involved.

3) You can use the camera to control kids. If the kids know there is a camera, they know they are also being watched. When they forget this, just point to the camera and they often shut up. I have been able to focus more on the lesson than disciplining.

And in the end, if the school confronts you with something they saw on the video and it seems normal then it's better to move on and find another school. It's a litmus test for the school as to whether or not they will treat you fairly.

ontheway · Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2010 7:32 am Post subject:

thegadfly · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

Lifeinkorea,

I am not trying to apply Michigan laws over here -- the OP said that in the US, you need to sign a waiver to be recorded, to which I responded, that in Michigan, you did NOT need to even be made aware, let alone sign a waiver, unless there is also audio (and Michigan is in the US, hence my attempt to correct an overgeneralization, NOT an attempt to apply a state law to an entirely different country).

Janny · Joined: 02 Jul 2008 Location: all over the place

My first kindy job had the cameras in the classrooms. Parents could log on and watch from their homes. I got a login ID, gave it to my mom in Canada and she was able to watch me teach over the livefeed on the website! That was cool.

I liked it because I'm proud of my teaching skills. I agree with those who said it can work for you...as long as you're doing your job right!

Yeah, it was a tad creepy at first. Just my Western sensibilities coming into play...

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

Most states in the US do not require employees to be notified that they are being recorded (especially with no sound). Usually, all employers have to do if they are recording employees is post a sign at the entrances that says, "This property is under CCTV surveillance." I am not sure of what the laws are in Korea, but I doubt that employees have much recourse against their higher ups about being recorded.

I think that recording lessons would be beneficial for most teachers. If you are doing your job you really don't have much to worry about. It can help back you up if you need to go to your director or a parent about a student. Maybe you director would let you watch the video so you could self critique your lessons. I have taped myself for these reasons, and wow, what an eye opening experience. It really can make you better. The kids will also be just as nervous as you, which you can use to your advantage for managing behavior.

If your boss is trying to make a case against you then it would suck. I'd like to think that most bosses aren't out to hire a teacher just to fire them. Reading these boards you might think otherwise, but I'd love to see videos of some people who complain about "unfair" treatment in action.