“I would add, when videos of teachers in various unflattering situations pop up on the web, you may see this policy zapped faster than you can text the words “dumb and dumber”.

Yes, I expressed this exact sentiment in a previous post.

When it’s a tool for learning it’s ok but when it becomes a tool for students/parents and community to sneak a peak at what’s really going on in the classroom look for the teacher unions to push those school boards AND their individual classroom teachers in the opposition direction and nix this idea quickly.

I see this as an exceptional opportunity for TDSB parents to get some things on the record too - like a photo or discussion at a parent-teacher interview or for a school council to access its parent community to canvass on an idea unpopular with the school board.

I have an idea for the TDSB.

How be the trustees elected to do their job…..do their job and stop passing the buck to classroom teachers and pony up some leadership in this area?

Yes, it is an exceptional opportunity for parents to seek a peak on the classroom and what is going on. It was the reasons stated to me, why the lap top and other devices that have the capability of recording audio and video, that my youngest could not used her devices in that way, recording lessons. And it include, capturing lessons on the board, and apparently something to do with copyrights and privacy.

I also wonder how the privacy regulations are going to play into this. Since most school policies, taking pictures of other students by students, the student must seek permission of the other students, to allow them to take the picture. Sure is a pain, when their is gatherings of schools to display projects, sports activities, where taking pictures by everyone, is more or less common and entrench at these gatherings, that are on school property.

good points re: the privacy issue.

Actually come to think about this, what’s protecting parents and students from teachers and school admin. from abusing the freelance use of the new technologies?

What about in emergency situations? Could a video or photo be used by police for instance in an accident or emergency situation? May be a positive app. there.

This opens up a whole new kettle of worms and does little to deliver actual education to students.

Same old typical school system, years behind the times when it comes to actually teaching the basics but way ahead of the game when it comes to new ways to divert our attention.