Secondary Level Students' Perceptions of CCTV in Nepali Classrooms

Abstract

Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance in Nepali classrooms has been adopted at a very high rate as a means of controlling students’ behavior, improving teacher accountability, and enhancing security at the expense of the conventional means of monitoring students. This study investigates the experiences of secondary school students with CCTV in Nepalese classrooms. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with fifteen students between Grades 9-12, focus group discussions among 20 Grade 9 students, and field notes reported by 42 students of Grade 8students. The thematic analysis of the data was performed in three important themes, namely: (a) how students understand CCTV surveillance, (b) CCTV as a means of supervision, discipline, and security, and (c) the impact of CCTV on student learning. The results indicate that students have mixed opinions regarding the use of CCTV in classrooms, where the positive aspects are more than the negative. A large number of students admitted that CCTV helps keep students in check, curb inappropriate conduct, and hold teachers accountable. However, some of them felt that surveillance instilled fear in them and undermined their privacy and liberty. The research paper advises education authorities and institutions to have clear policies and guidelines regarding the implementation of CCTV and to consult students on the implementation of CCTV before it is installed. Additionally, the school administration should emphasize effective pedagogical practices rather than being obsessed with surveillance.