To Be Seen or Not to Be Seen: Examination of Camera Sharing in Online Learning Environments in Terms of Interaction

Abstract

Along with the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns experienced, educational institutions of every level conveyed their learning environments to digital environments mostly utilizing online video conference technology. These environments, which were basically designed as communication technologies, were used intensively in online classes in this process where the learner and the instructor were at a distance. This study aimed to examine camera sharing in online learning environments where online video conference applications were used during the Covid–19 pandemic in terms of interaction. This study used a mixed-method and explanatory sequential design model. Whether learners, the participants of this study, shared their camera during online classes and what they thought about learner-learner and learner–instructor interaction was structured through data collection processes using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings of the research reveal that the learners in online classes are hesitant about sharing their cameras (for reasons of privacy, distraction, concern, etc.). On the other hand, the learners expressed their opinions that especially the camera sharing made by the instructor (for reasons such as contributing to focus, providing feedback, feeling valued, etc.) increases the interaction.