Privacy considerations for online teaching

Camosun supports two web (video) conferencing tools–Zoom and Teams. Zoom is the tool used for synchronous online teaching as Teams is not available to students. Zoom for teaching and learning is supported by eLearning in CETL.

Zoom is integrated with D2L so students access Zoom through your D2L course site.  The tool includes a number of features that support teaching such as break-out groups, polls, and instructor level controls. 

When you are using  a web-conferencing tool, consider the best practices below for protecting your own privacy and the privacy of those around you:

• Establish privacy guidelines with respect to web-conferencing with your classes at the beginning of the term.
• Find a private space with a neutral background that does not include any identifying or sensitive information about yourself or other individuals
• Utilize features to blur your background or replace your actual background with a static image 
• Let students know how they can mute their audio and turn off cameras.  Be specific about when you expect cameras to be turned on. 
• Mute your device and/or switch off your camera if there is no added value 
• Make sure others in your surroundings do not appear on-screen and cannot be heard 
• Avoid recording unless it is necessary for assessment

As an instructor you should always be on camera, however be thoughtful how you ask students to be on camera.  Privacy is an important consideration, and use of video (camera) may present bandwidth and other technical issues to students. 

Consider the following best practices in use of video in Collaborate or Teams sessions:

• At start of class ask for cameras on for a check in, and then suggest cameras off 
• Explain your expectations around the use of cameras.  Be aware that some students may not have the best internet connection or a web-camera 
• At times, you may want all cameras off -- e.g during a lecture or when there is screen sharing--be specific
• Students should always have the option of turning off their camera or using a virtual background to hide their personal environment