We would like to explain why we are asking you to have your camera switched on in Zoom teaching sessions. But we would also like to say that we know some students may not wish to have their camera on for very specific reasons, and to reassure you that this is OK.
Through our online teaching, we are working hard to make sure that your experience is as close to the ‘usual’ University experience as it can be. An important part of this is for you to have the kind of interactions you would normally have in face to face teaching, such as lectures and seminars.
We know that teaching sessions are most beneficial to students who interact fully in them. During a face-to-face teaching session, academics can see if students understand the subject, are actively engaged or would benefit from additional explanations or discussion.
This is why we are asking all students who feel able to, to have their cameras on during lessons, so we can see and appreciate when we need to make interventions to improve your learning experience.
As human beings, we pick up on visual cues from our audience and peers. Being able to see the reactions of others makes things more enjoyable and inclusive for everyone and will also enhance learning, so this is why we would encourage everyone to adopt a ‘camera on’ starting position.
We have received some early feedback from students to say that they welcome being able to see other students during their teaching sessions. However, we appreciate that for technical, psychological, child safeguarding and other reasons, people may not wish, or may not be able, to engage in this way. We understand this, and we will respect students to choose whatever mode suits them best.
If you would prefer to use a background screen in your Zoom class, which will only allow your image to be shown and not your surroundings, please follow the instructions on this IT Service Desk article about using Zoom backgrounds. Please note that only standard backgrounds from the existing library can be used.
