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N P Scott
Masks in class
SIR – When I heard that all pupils were to return to school on March 8, I was filled with hope. However, this turned to dismay when I read that masks will be required in secondary school classrooms (report, February 24).
As a teacher, I will not be able to carry out my job effectively if the faces that tell me whether my pupils are confused, happy or bored are covered. This is the last thing that young people need after a year of isolation, educational disruption and uncertainty about the future.
Boris Johnson said last August that masks in classrooms were “nonsensical”. I agree, as do many other teachers and parents. There is little evidence that this measure has much effect in schools, but it will have a severe impact on the learning experience of all secondary pupils.
State school heads who block teachers from hosting live online lessons due to privacy concerns have sparked confusion among critics who ask why educators can t just pick a blank background.
Headteachers claim live-streaming lessons from inside a teacher s home is a huge invasion of privacy and takes away professional distance .
And teachers union NASUWT is strongly advising members to avoid live lessons unless there are measures in place to stop privacy breaches.
But many have asked why teachers don t utilise Zoom s virtual background feature - or present in front of a blank wall.
Zoom offers users the option to pick from a set selection of sample backgrounds or upload their own - meaning the user s face can appear in front of any image they choose.