Classroom Virtual Teaching and Learning

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FERPA Webinar (Guidance specifically related to recording classroom sessions begin at approximately 20:30 minutes.)

Guidance on a broader scope of issues related to FERPA and virtual learning

Guidelines for Videotaping in Online Courses

Based on a March 25, 2020 memo from Deputy Provost Jennifer Jensen.

Faculty should follow these practices for the use of Zoom and other audio/video services in the classroom:

  • Faculty are permitted to record class meetings and share that recording with students for the purpose of providing educational offerings to Lehigh students online. There are a few cases in which a recording might be problematic and not in compliance with FERPA (Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act):

    • Faculty should not record any conversations about topics that are covered by FERPA, such as grades. (Example: A student stays at the end of a Zoom meeting and asks a question about a grade. The faculty member should be sure to stop the recording and be sure not to inadvertently include any FERPA-protected information in any video posted to Course Site.)

    • Faculty are not permitted to post recordings of students in any way (e.g., on YouTube) that makes class meetings visible to audiences beyond students in the class.

  • Some students are uncomfortable being videotaped as part of a class discussion. While not a violation of FERPA, faculty are encouraged to be sensitive to a student’s concerns about privacy, and consider the following practices:

    • Determine the importance of requiring a student appear on-screen throughout an entire class session.

    • Notify students in writing (i.e., post in Course Site) that the class will be recorded (audio and/or video). Consider repeating this notification orally at the beginning of each class session.

  • If technologically possible, block audio/video downloads by students in order to limit the circulation of recordings of students beyond the classroom.

  • Destroy audio/video recordings when they no longer serve an educational purpose. Do not use the audio/video recordings of students for future classes. (Please note that Zoom recordings can be edited later to delete portions of the video.)

  • Generally speaking, it is not permissible to post recordings of classes in places other than the class Course Site page. If you wish to record students during a class meeting and share with others outside the course, please discuss this with your dean whether this is possible, and how to proceed. There are potential FERPA issues if students are recorded and the recording is shared with others beyond the students in the course.

Here is language from CITL’s syllabus template:

Zoom Policies

To meet the challenge of teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lehigh instructors and students will be adopting new forms of instruction and interaction; following new guidelines around classroom behaviors; enhancing communications; and doing our best to be patient, flexible, and accommodating with each other.

In remote synchronous meetings, students are expected to attend class just as they would any other Lehigh class. Zoom classes work best when all students come to class ready to participate and follow the instructor’s guidelines regarding use of web-cameras. You may be asked to turn your camera on during active learning sessions in Zoom. If you have a strong preference not to do so, please contact me to let me know. Students should respect the in-classroom privacy of their instructors and fellow students by not taking screenshots or recording class sessions. Some instructors will record Zoom sessions; however, any recorded live sessions will be shared only with students in the class and will be deleted at the end of the semester.

updated 10/23/2020