Use of Smart Glasses in Classrooms
August 20, 2026The MUNFA Executive would like to highlight growing concerns regarding the use of smart glasses in classroom, lab and assessment settings. Smart glasses are wearable devices capable of video and audio capture. Because they are worn as ordinary eyewear, their use can be difficult for ASMs to detect, raising concerns like those identified with AI transcription and note-taking tools regarding consent, privacy and the protection of intellectual property. (IB#2025.26.03)
There is currently no University-wide policy governing the use of smart glasses. However, this issue has been considered at the departmental level. The Department of Computer Science has adopted a policy prohibiting students from wearing or using smart glasses in exams, tests, quizzes, classrooms, labs and interactions with faculty and staff, including office hours and meetings.
ASMs are encouraged to clearly communicate expectations regarding the use of smart glasses in their courses. The MUNFA Executive recommends that ASMs include language in their course syllabi, Brightspace shells or other distributed materials to discourage the unauthorized use of smart glasses in the classroom. The following sample language may be adapted for this purpose:
"My lectures and course materials, including PowerPoint presentations, lectures, discussions, tests, outlines and similar content are protected by copyright. I am the exclusive owner of the copyright in the materials I create. Smart glasses are not permitted to be worn or used in this class. You may take notes for your own use, but you may not record, reproduce or distribute lecture content, including through smart glasses, without my express written consent. Similarly, you own the copyright in your original work. If I wish to share your work, I will seek your written permission."
Students who require accommodation should be directed to the Blundon Centre to discuss their needs.
ASMs with questions or concerns about smart glasses in the classroom are encouraged to contact the MUNFA office at munfa@mun.ca.
