Requiring Webcam Use

Can an instructor require that a student have their webcam turned on during a remote course?

Although a webcam requirement may make it easier for an instructor to meet learning objectives, please understand that requiring a webcam to be turned on can put some students at a disadvantage for a number of reasons. For example, students may have a disability, face technological barriers, experience economic hardships, or prefer not to display their living spaces to others for a variety of reasons. Please carefully consider the rationale for the requirement and if it is truly necessary, after reviewing the following in-depth points.

Tie requirements to a learning objective

Tie the requirement to use a webcam directly to a specific learning objective for a course, making sure to consider other options, as well.

Create positive classroom environments

Creating a "positive classroom environment" might not link to specific learning needs/outcomes. There are ways this can be accomplished in synchronous Zoom meetings without the use of a webcam:

Have students post in the chat, respond to small mini-assignments during class, engage with peers in breakout rooms that require small group discussion, call on students to provide verbal input/commentary throughout a Zoom class meeting, or ask them to respond to polls during live Zoom classes.
In situations where an instructor would like to strongly encourage students to activate their webcam, an explanation of why it will enhance student learning in a course may go further than a "requirement."
- Example: "Using a webcam during the lecture/discussion/work about (insert topic here) would be helpful to your learning because (explain rationale here)."
Webcam usage should not be required as a means to ensure attendance. Consider including a description of your expectations for students in your syllabus to communicate that: 1) each student is responsible for all learning content and experiences and 2) each student is obligated to communicate with their instructor regarding absences.
A guide for teaching and learning through student absences has been developed to help instructors address attendance-based considerations.
Consider requiring the webcam for only a specific portion of the class (i.e. when the student is speaking and seeing the student is important; when a student is responding).

Give proper notice

Provide proper notice to students of any requirement to use a webcam in the syllabus and clearly communicate the consequence for not meeting the requirements.

Provide proper notice as soon as possible and in the class syllabus of the requirement and any consequence for not meeting the requirements.
Provide specifics of what is required, the frequency, and any potential consequences.

Identify options for students

Provide the following options in your syllabus so that students know the process and resources for requesting reasonable accommodations and technology assistance, or for discussing other barriers to meeting a webcam requirement.

Student Access and Accommodation Services

If the student is an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, they should be encouraged to contact Student Access and Accommodation Services (SAAS) at (309) 438-5853 or AbleISU@IllinoisState.edu. For further information on the accommodation request process, please visit StudentAccess.IllinoisState.edu.

Technology Support Center

If you are working with a student who is facing technology issues, including lack of an appropriate computer, please refer them to the Technology Support Center. The staff of the TSC is prepared to assist students in determining if they can solve the technology issue through additional software or troubleshooting. If the technology barrier is a financial one, the TSC staff will refer the student to the Persistence Committee which will investigate and attempt to address the financial issue.

Dean of Students Office

If there is another reason that turning the webcam function on during class is a concern, the student should be encouraged to contact the instructor as soon as possible, to discuss. The student should be encouraged to contact the Dean of Students Office at (309) 438-2008 or DeanofStudents@IllinoisState.edu if they desire assistance with advocacy in handling barriers to a webcam requirement.