Students Struggle to Keep Cameras On
November 30, 2020

Usually, when teenagers get in front of the camera when they are facetiming their friends or taking a photo for Instagram, it’s nothing but smiles. But no ones smiling about having their camera on for online classes.
Tyra West, a sophomore at SBHS, prefers keeping her camera off. She says she doesn’t pay attention with the camera on because it makes her nervous.
“It’s weird just sitting there staring at the camera,” said West. “I tend to feel very uncomfortable turning my camera on for people that I don’t even know. I can’t help but feel as if people are just staring at me.”
Many students feel uncomfortable with their camera on. They often feel like the spotlight is on them or everybody is watching.
At South Broward High School, students are expected to appear on camera for most classes, but many students feel as if keeping cameras on is not important.
Shania Simeon, a sophomore at South Broward High school has been kicked out of a meeting for not having her camera on.
“My teacher kicked me out of a meeting for not having my camera on,” said Simeon,” I don’t think it’s that serious to get kicked out of a meeting for not having your camera on.”
As students came back to school, all classes have been taught live on-line, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, school administration requires students to have their cameras on during online school. Students like, sophomore Tranasia Missick, not so much.
“My geometry teacher is the only teacher that has me turn my camera on,”said Missick,”But only makes us turn on are cameras for attendance and when we take tests.”
Some teachers, like English teacher Ms. Theresa Braun, feel that having students keep their cameras on during online learning is important. Students need to be accountable for their education. They have to want to engage and to do well.
“We as teachers can do the most interactive activities, host relevant discussions, and be entertaining as possible, but at the end of the day the students have to do their part as well,” said Braun, ” Not expecting that is failing them. Out in the real world nothing is free. And accomplishing goals and earning money come with effort.”
Other teachers, like science teacher Mrs. Susana Leon, feel as if it’s not really important for students to keep their cameras on.
“Keeping their camera on is only important for attendance, not for the whole period if they don’t want to,” said Leon,“ I am okay with either on or off as long as the student is okay with it.”

Markalya Lee is a 15-year-old sophomore at South Broward High School. Lee took journalism again this year because she felt like this would be...
I think keeping cameras on makes it easier for teachers, but a lot of students I know are uncomfortable with keeping them on. I personally think students should keep it on for attendance and instruction at least.
I could actually relate to this story a lot by how I don’t like turning on my camera as well but besides that I loved how much detail the story had and how many people were involved in this story.
I definitely agree with everything you are saying and you are making some very valid points
Well written story
Well written news story honestly don’t think I could have found a better one. And I definitely agree with the students and their feedback on the topic.
Great story! As a student, I believe this was perfectly summarized. A lot of students feel uncomfortable with cameras on and this story captures why!
You story was really good because you have the view point of the people behind the camera and how they feel about certain things
Your story was really good
This is a well written story and I think it really explains how students and teachers feel about this new policy.
I personally do not like keeping my camera on because it makes me feel uncomfortable. I think if we have to use our cameras they should only be used for attendance and then we can turn them off.
I personally would prefer if we did not have to use our cameras because it makes me feel uncomfortable. If we have to use our cameras during class I think we should only have to for attendance and then we can turn them off if we chose to.
I like that you wrote about this topic because it’s a controversial topic right now, and many people have different opinions on it right now. The story was also very nicely written. Personally having a camera on or off doesn’t effect me.
Personally, I prefer to not have my camera on because everytime its on i feel like im constantly being watched. This story does a great job in bringing students opinions about the subject to light.
I like that you chose to write about this topic, since as of now, it’s something that is mandatory. I agree with where you are it’s hard to pay attention in class because having your camera on makes you nervous. I feel the same way and personally feel more engaged in the class when my camera is not on.
Nice story. I usually either have my camera turned off or angle it to where u can’t see me.