Seventh graders Mia Friedlander, Ella Kingsrud, Taylor Credle, Hannah Cooper and Bella Rocco follow instruction online by tutor Robin Lorch from an ipad placed on a ladder in a home garage in Calabasas, California. Photos: AFP
"These learning pods are occurring because many parents realise that their children are not doing well with online learning," said Pedro Noguera, dean of the University of Southern California's School of Education. For students, especially younger ones not always able to engage in online learning, the pods also provide much-needed socialisation and a way to navigate the stress and uncertainty linked to the pandemic."This will serve a dual purpose for us," said Nicole Friedlander, an employment attorney in the Los Angeles area, whose two kids aged seven and 12 are in pods that will supplement their online education.
"We have had more than 400 families reach out to us so far, and we've done no marketing," she said."And we have hundreds of teachers we have been vetting over the past month to match them with families." Mira Rocca, who has three children in three separate pods intended to supplement their online education, said the classes are costing her about $1,300 a month.Still, Rocca said the benefits of an in-person teaching experience for the kids outweigh the cost.
But they also warn the pods are likely to further heighten inequalities and leave many kids by the wayside.