Every year schools have the same problem: cheating. Teachers here at Aliso always have to deal with students trying to get out of doing their work. This year, with the introduction of required phone pockets in each classroom, teachers believe that cheating has been greatly reduced at Aliso Niguel.
The use of cameras in schools is typically decided by each school district, as long as they abide by state privacy laws. Califonia states two-party consent is needed for audio recordings in the Penal Code-recording laws.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act states recordings that capture identifiable student information may be considered educational records and are protected under FERPA.
Texas, Louisiana and West Virginia require cameras in special education classrooms upon request from a parent.
Special education classrooms are the only classes cameras can be put in; it is legal for cameras to be used in classrooms to prevent cheating as long as they follow state laws.
Mr. Silberman, a biology teacher at Aliso said, “[Cheating] is a huge issue on our campus,” going on to say he had filled out three office referrals in the past two days.
Mr. Silberman says that as being only one adult in a classroom with 30 students, it is difficult to prove that a student is cheating even if he had seen it, and “having a camera would help back up a teacher.”
Teachers at Aliso still use various other ways to prevent cheating, Mr. Silberman saying, “We have different versions of tests, that sometimes helps.” He also talked about how some classes take the tests on different days, making it very easy for students to share questions and answers.
Cheating will always be a problem in schools, whether there are cameras to show it or not. Students do not share the same sentiment about using cameras to reduce cheating. Most believe that it would be wrong to be recorded in class.
Maya Tata (10) says, “It just feels wrong,” when asked about her feelings on having cameras.
Tata expressed that it would be too invasive and thought that students would feel uncomfortable when entering a classroom.
Shiley Moeinzadeh (10) says, “[Having cameras] would be unfair for students who aren’t cheating” and “it’s just an uncomfortable situation knowing you’re being watched.” Students who have no fear of being caught still feel that it wouldn’t be worth it because of the discomfort it would cause students overall.
It is unlikely that cameras will ever be installed in schools as a way to prevent cheating as the use would be too controversial and the process difficult.
