Feiona Nichelle Otto is bringing technology integrated ‘lessons’ to the children of Kanville, in her role of Learning Pod club leader. Ms Otto resides in Samatta Point Grove, which is located on the East Bank Demerara. She is the eldest of two and has been married over thirteen years now to a wonderful husband she is happy to report.
It is Ms Otto’s passion to serve others that inspired her to volunteer with a number of NGOs including her church as a teenager and it is that same passion, coupled with a need to see improvement in the children of Kaneville that drives her to lend her time to the national Learning Pods program.
Ms Otto reports that, “Kaneville Learning Pod gives me an opportunity to help to mold young minds and to guide them as they advance towards their future endeavors.” She reports that at the pod, learning takes various forms–one and one, small groups and traditional classroom settings. The program also includes mathematics, science, english, coding, robotics, strengthening literacy skills through the use of GraphoGame, watching ‘Robin the Robot’ to learn about amazing science and technology facts or just reading books and encouraging the children to strengthen their communication and collaboration skills by working together or presenting information to the class.
Ms Otto reports that It is well known that many children within the Kaneville community face many challenges on a daily basis and when they step into the learning pod world, she is prepared and ready, not just to teach but to listen, show care and concern. “Although many students struggle to read and write, by the grace of god and using the tools provided to us, we do our best to provide every opportunity for them to improve”, reports Ms Otto.
Ms Fiona shares that they have seen growth in many of the children and in many areas. She also shared that students are not in competition with each other and that the program strives to see improvement in each child.
“We have seen learners move from 55% to 85% and above due to consistency, and we encourage our parents to get involved, if only to ensure that the children show up for pod classes”, she reported.
Ms Otto ended our interview by stating that, “teaching, we believe is an art, it takes strategies to attain great results. There are no slow learners, they are just those who learn differently. Learning takes place when teaching is done right.”.
Ms Fiona Otto shared that the Learning Pod program provides an opportunity to evaluate and strategize in order to produce great results and that she is excited when her students overcome challenges and hurdles and especially when their parents call with good news. Ms Otto shares that she is proud to be a part of such an amazing program.
