MOE makes it optional for students to turn on video during online classes

Since the institutionalisation of remote learning caused by the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, schools have established protocols for virtual classes.

Among the protocols is mandating all participating students to keep their video camera on while classes are in session. Failure to do so could result in suspension or other forms of punishment. The result of this action has seen schools and parents clashing over the rule. Parents, particularly those not dependent in wifi, have advised their child to keep their camera off to conserve on data.

The ministry has remained neutral on the issue until now, issuing a directive that the rule should be made optional.

In a bulletin under the signature of Acting Chief Education Office, Dr Kasan Troupe, the ministry stated: “We are aware that online protocols are very important in ensuring an engaging, safe and student-centred approach in lesson delivery in the virtual space. Similar to the face to face engagement, teachers are expected to engage in stimulating introductory and other creative activities as well as classroom management practices to sustain the interest of the students and to guarantee learning is taking place.

“We are aware that for accountability and safety, some schools have instituted the rule that students are required to turn on their cameras for the duration of the online lessons. Whilst we understand the challenges this decision is attempting to address, we direct that discretion be utilized under the current circumstances. Therefore, the Ministry is directing that with immediate effect, it is optional for students to turn on their videos for the duration of online classes. Access to education is too critical at this time for any barriers to be created, though not intentioned.

“Consequently, no child should be denied the right to participate in an online class because he/she refuses to participate using video conferencing throughout the duration of the lesson. The Ministry directs that teachers utilise the cameras intermittently to account for students and to conserve on the cost of data, demand for bandwidth and increasing electricity charges on parents and teachers.

“To ensure appropriate classroom behaviours are displayed by our students the following are also encouraged: Generate class rules which tell students what to do, rather than what not to do; mount the rules so that they can be seen in the virtual classroom; revisit the rules frequently and communicate expectations for each class; reinforce positive behaviours by verbally acknowledging same or use the emoticons such as the claps hands, smiles etc.

“School administrators are therefore being asked to adapt these guidelines accordingly, as we seek to ensure that no child is left behind guided by the principles of access, equity, quality, inclusion and efficiency.”

School administrators who fail to comply with this directive could face disciplinary action in accordance with the MOE rules and regulations.