Cameras in the classroom

Re “Extracurricular videos roil campus,” Feb. 8

In the age of digital media, students can now make fun of teachers by creating videos and posting them on the Internet. The problem itself isn’t new; the technology is. I do not, in any way, support ridiculing teachers, but there is a larger issue here. Americans have the right to videotape or photograph people in public places.

These teachers are in a position of authority and shouldn’t be doing anything they would be ashamed of being posted on the Internet. If they are being portrayed negatively on the Internet, the students are probably saying the exact same things in the halls between classes. These students are entitled to their opinions -- adults have a tendency to forget that.

KELLY RYAN

Ladera Ranch

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Perhaps the technology might also be used for good. When I was at Venice High School, a terrific biology teacher, Mr. Erdman, explained at our first meeting that restroom visits during class time required carrying a hall pass -- a full-size toilet seat. In reality, the few sincere students who made legitimate restroom requests did not have to carry the customized hall pass, but his point was made.

On another occasion, Mr. Erdman dumped liquid nitrogen from a large metal canister on top of his desk. As it poured out over his desk and splashed toward the first row of astonished students, it miraculously vanished, evaporating into thin air; we were awed. Had I been able to record either event and then post it to YouTube, perhaps “angry teacher” would have seen it and found inspiration in Mr. Erdman’s creativity.

FREDERIC E. BLOOMQUIST

San Pedro