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Bohunt - webcams - Alan (9th May 2005 - 08:33:57) Following the "Village webcam" debate, wouldn't web cams installed in all the classrooms at Bohunt be a good idea? We hear so many tales of student misbehaviour at the school, that I for one would be very interested to be able to watch how the teachers manage (or not) to control their pupils. Would little 'Johnny' be willing to mess around in the class knowing that mum or dad might be watching, and of course that the school will be recording their antics ? The cost for such technology is now surprisingly low and the benefits to the school, teachers and pupils (well, those who want to work in class) would, I think, be amazing. Any comments from other parents ?

Re: Bohunt - webcams - Alex Cameron (9th May 2005 - 17:41:15) Alan - i suspect your curiosity is from a social standpoint, but allow me to approach the same with technological pragmatism. I can imagine a lot of things would change if you knew you were being constantly watched - the recent Robin Williams film 'The Final Cut' explored the same (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364343/). Assuming you meant a live motion video webcam (as opposed to a still image that changes every 10 seconds or so), the cost would almost certainly be prohibitive. You'd need a lot of equipment/infrastructure and would get a very small return in terms of quality or value. Aside from that, there would be obvious privacy concerns, and not all parents' intentions are as benign as the majority.

Re: Bohunt - webcams - Chris (10th May 2005 - 06:08:25) Alan, I don't agree with the idea of web cams in school classrooms to detect and record bad behaviour. I believe it would have the opposite effect and could positively encourage it as the majority of those that behave badly are seeking attention anyway. It may also encourage truancy, not to mention the unhealthy interest it may attract. There was some talk by this government of behaviour policing where an inspector would attend certain lessons at random as a deterrant. Whatever method is used to curb it, bad behaviour by the minority is the prime cause of bad results because those who wish to work and achieve something are innevitably prevented from doing so.

Re: Bohunt - webcams - Angie (11th May 2005 - 13:08:21) I worry about the talk of webcams in classrooms. What sort of person wants to sit at home and watch children? I chose the school I thought best for my children. If I have a concern I see the teacher. They are the professionals, not peeping toms on the receiving end of webcams.

Re: Bohunt - webcams - Eneida (11th May 2005 - 14:11:51) I don't agree with Alan's idea of webcams in the classrooms, but don't you think to start calling him a "peeping tom" is rather unfair ??

Re: Bohunt - webcams - Alex Cameron (11th May 2005 - 15:28:43) A clarification is needed here - would the webcams be open to anyone on the internet, or just to registered/authorised viewers? Btw - how would you stop sabotage? They'd be in a school....

Re: Bohunt - webcams - Mike Grimes (21st May 2005 - 23:01:00) I liked an idea that I heard that teenagers should wear a sweatshirt (preferably without hood) with a logo on the back "Well behaved?" together with their parents phone number.

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