I'm not sure how I feel about the idea of live video cameras in the classroom- geez, talk about being constantly watched. Maybe we should all look into the cameras, shake our fists and read excerpts from Brave New World. Big Brother much? While I understand the idea of the book reports and the student/parent interaction, I don't think I agree with it. Yes, parents need to be involved in the learning process and parent and family involvement is, I think, integral to student success, but there are definitely moments when a parent needs to back off and let their kid learn on their own. This idea is like giving an "all aboard" cheer to "helicopter parents" and encouraging bad habits.
As for me? I'll definitely keep November's article in mind as I start to think about how to use technology. I will try to informate instead of automate as often as possible.
I've never heard the term "helicopter parents," but I agree that cameras in classrooms could only cater to these kinds of parents. At some point the apron strings must be cut. When you give a presentation in a board room, you present to your peers, not to the loving mother who coached you through your trial runs. As a teacher, having parents looking over your shoulder, judging your teaching, is likely to undermine your performance. Imagine if your driving instructor never left the car even after after you got your license, any your driving instructor was an unlicensed 12-year-old.
ReplyDeleteThat said, maybe seeing the inside of a classroom would help parents to appreciate what their kids' teachers are doing right and the challenges they face in the classroom. Parents couldn't revert to the excuse of "not my kid" when they can see what their kid is doing for themselves. Maybe students would act more appropriately if they knew that "big brother" was watching, but how would that impact their natural moral development?
I doubt the 'hate directory' is at all inclusive of all the ignorance and prejudice on the internet. after all, all one has to do is read some youtube comments to see there's plenty of intolerance floating around out there. what i'm really surprised is that this tenured engineering professor didn't get in hot water with his university over his web-page, which is hosted on the university server. most places of higher-education have strict policies regarding this sort of thing.
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