South Africa’s First Pod School
Online schooling is ALL ABOUT accountability. We've seen several other online learning models crash because they assume that kids and teens are able to learn either in very large groups or completely alone, in both cases without consistent accountability. The fact is that a large part of what school teaches a young person has to do with becoming more independent, and not just assuming that they already are independent. Our small Pods mean that everyone is accountable academically. The teacher knows every single person in their Pod, where they are in terms of their learning, and what support they need to keep growing. It's in this highly supportive, highly accountable space in which learners can really master the skill of independence and thrive in their academics.
Koa’s Pods also enable kids to benefit socio-emotionally from regularly interacting with peers. There are many clear benefits of online learning but there's also a real risk in the online space of disconnection, possibly leading to isolation. We knew that if Koa was to really become the standard of online education in South Africa, and truly harness all the benefits of online learning, then everyone must be connected - not just connected in the IT sense, but also feel connected in the social and emotional sense. The only way to do that is for our cameras to be on, and our voices to be heard. That happens best - that happens ONLY - in small groups. With 8 on a screen, everyone can be seen, and everyone can be heard.
For Koa teachers, the Pod structure is a dream teaching environment where we can put our specialised training into practice in ways that educators just cannot do with a bigger group of learners. Simone Dames, one of our Pod Teachers, puts it like this:
“Every day I am connecting with my Pod for fun sessions targeting soft skills as well as academic sessions where I can monitor kids’ progress and assist or coach where needed. I can tell you who everyone is; I know their academic strengths and challenges. I can give each person an individualised timetable that leans into their strengths and allows them to master content at their own pace. It’s a super-accountable structure where kids can thrive both academically and socio-emotionally.”
The high engagement fostered by the Pods also has a positive spin-off when it comes to developing digital literacy, a 21st Century imperative. Our kids are actively socialising online. The online space is already theirs! But they do need to be given a safe space and coached into how to socialise in a healthy way online. Our Pods create that safe space where young people can master the skills required to connect meaningfully and safely with others online. This is important real-world connection, and they are getting the necessary opportunities to develop confidence, adeptness and responsibility in engaging successfully in the digital world.
For parents who have experienced their child being overlooked and getting swamped in a larger class, whether in physical or online schooling, Koa’s small-group Pods make a lot of sense. For parents making the choice to enrol in online school, and who are evaluating the different offerings, it’s important for them to think about what it would take for their child to thrive in school. What comes to mind? Is it the chance for your child to be themselves? Is it better academic support? Is it more meaningful friendships? Less bullying? Better Maths? Heck – there are parents in South Africa who just wish that their child's teacher knew their name! Now imagine them in a Pod of 8.
