Ideally students learn to play violin without finger tapes. I resisted using them at first, but my supervisor required it when I started teaching elementary beginners in a local after-school program while I was a college student. Now, after 15+ years teaching in the public schools, I consider them necessary.
Many public school string students have no music background, some very little musical aptitude at all. They totally need a visual guide while they learn to hear the notes they play. I typically use only 1st finger and 3rd finger tapes for violins/violas. (I tape for all 4 fingers on cellos, all 3 on bass - 3rd doesn't play.) They find 2nd finger by putting it next to 3rd or 1st. Later, they find 4th finger by testing it with the next higher string. (Don't start on E string.) Later, the ones who panic about third position have a tape for only 1st finger. I also often tape the octave harmonic because our first method used it early, and I've found it useful.
I start beginners in 3rd grade and every grade after. My elementary students often get blue tapes. We usually learn new notes in guitar position (violins/violas) by rote, so they can watch their fingers while they learn the notes. Then they practice pizzicato in playing position before adding the bow. I try have them listen to check notes and teach them the ear is the final judge. Tape is only a guide.
The goal is no tapes in middle school (except beginners). I like to use black tapes then, so the students can check their fingers if needed, but they can't see the tapes very well in playing position. I often remove tapes one at a time - usually 1st finger last. Playing without tapes becomes a status symbol of progressing past beginner stage. If students want tapes removed before I think they're ready, I always let them try.
Now, I teach online and use tapes for some beginners because I'm not there in person to help adjust tuning. It's all up to them.
