LISTSERV 16.0 - LRNASST-L Archives

Hi all,

We've been exploring the same concern in our Learning Center, so it's helpful to see this conversation pop up on the listserv.

Although we originally had planned to purchase pods similar to the Steelcase ones mentioned above, we decided not to pull the trigger on them yet because we had concerns about airflow and Covid safety. Some of these pods, such as the Orangebox pods, are advertised to be a Covid safety measure for collaborative working environments. However, if you actually look at the specs, they do not actually meet the CDC's recommendations for air filtration. In fact, I worry that they might make Covid transmission worse because they contribute to more pockets of "dead air" where aerosols can gather. In some cases, they also have fans that blow air outward into the larger space (not great if the person inside the pod happens to be contagious and has their mask off in order to hold a video conference).

That being said, I wonder if I'm being too paranoid. What do others think about enclosed study pod safety? Has anyone gotten feedback from a specialist who knows more about viral transmission?

Grateful for any insight--I think we would jump on these pods if we weren't concerned about airflow. Otherwise, they seem to be a great practical solution to the need for more Zoomable space.

Thanks,

Chessie

On Tue, Nov 16, 2021 at 9:10 AM Chrissy D Knapke <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

Bridget – these are great! Any chance you have the name of the manufacturer?

Kind regards,

Chrissy

Chrissy Knapke

Director

Tutoring & Academic Success Center

Summer Transition Enrichment Program (STEP)

Enrollment Management Student Success

2121 Euclid Ave.

Berkman Hall Room 206

Cleveland, OH 44115

ph: 216-523-7366

[log in to unmask]

My pronouns: she/her/hers

From: Open Forum for Learning Assistance Professionals <[log in to unmask]> On Behalf Of Gold,Bridget
Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2021 11:01 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Privacy Pods

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Cleveland State University! Do not click links, open attachments, or reply, unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe!

Hello!

The attached photos are of privacy pods that we have in three places in our center. I am not sure that we have given them a rigorous Zoom test, but we have had some success. Students enjoy using them. They are heavy but we have been able to move them around.

Bridget

From: Open Forum for Learning Assistance Professionals <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Bell, Elizabeth <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2021 8:39 AM
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Privacy Pods

Good morning everyone!

I have a great open tutoring space with modular furniture that allows for a lot of flexibility. However, I don't have a lot of options for "privacy." It is difficult for my tutors to conduct an online appointment because the regular activities and noise of the tutoring center pick up on the mic and are distracting for the person who is on the other end. I'm looking into options to be able to provide some quiet or "private" space without having to remodel (ha!). We did order some sound-absorbing dividers that sit on desks but they aren't doing enough. Thus far we've been able to reserve some classrooms as additional space but it's not ideal and the ability to do that diminishes each semester as more classes come back to being in-person. Does anybody use privacy pods or phone booth-type furniture? I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas.

Thanks in advance.

Best,

Elizabeth

Elizabeth Bell (she/her/hers)

Supervisor|Tutoring and Learning Center

Office: C-2009

Joliet Junior College

1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet IL, 60431

815-280-2855

https://www.jjc.edu/student-resources/tutoring-learning-center

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