• Welcome to Pods Academy! The aim of Pods Academy courses and community is to offer support while building confidence for participants so that they can achieve their goals as teachers. We strive to support teachers and those longing to become teachers to achieve their goals and shine in their teaching activities.

    • Grow as a teacher and/or learner with us 

    • We offer variety of educational tools for you to use as a teacher and/or learner to achieve your goals more easily and effectively. 

    What is clinical education: 

    Clinical education is a crucial component of healthcare training that involves hands-on learning experiences for students in various health care fields. It allows students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, often within hospitals, clinics, or community health centers, under the supervision of experienced professionals. This immersive learning approach helps students develop practical skills, critical thinking, and professional behaviours necessary for effective patient care. Through clinical education, students gain exposure to diverse patient populations, medical conditions, and healthcare environments, preparing them for successful careers in the selected healthcare.

    • Be inspired, seek support, achieve your goals

Pods Academy Blog

Welcome to Pods Academy – Where Growth Begins

by Ruth Ruane -

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The adventure of Pods Academy has begun

What began as an idea to support collaborative healthcare practitioners, including clinical educators and learners, has blossomed into reality. We are excited to embark on our adventure to create space for continuous development in regards to clinical education and we aim to gradually expand what we have to offer to you, as a clinical educator and learners, in terms of community, courses, educational tools and more.

Building a Community of Support and Empowerment

In designing Pods Academy, our aim is to foster a community where every member feels seen, supported, and encouraged. Collaboration is the foundation of what we do here. When we work together, lifting each other up, we create ripples that reach far beyond our own lives, impacting the broader world around us. We hope that you will join us on this exciting new path towards clinical educational community — a space dedicated to the transformative power of education.

The Pods Academy Experience

Our hope to offer user-friendly website and interfaces which will aid in establishing efficient communication and interactive learning tools for our Pods Academy community. We strived to provide seamless course access, effortless navigation, and reliable notifications, allowing you to concentrate on what truly matters: learning, teaching, growing, and connecting.

Upcoming Course:

Giving Effective Feedback

‘Giving Effective Feedback’ is a comprehensive introductory course designed for clinical educators and healthcare professionals aiming to master the art of providing impactful feedback. This course delves into the essential concepts of feedback, its critical role in the learning process, and various methods for delivering constructive feedback in clinical settings. Participants will get an opportunity to explore different types of feedback, strategies for ensuring feedback is both constructive and motivating. The course will offer practical steps to implement effective feedback techniques as well as include examples and video demonstrations. This course is led by Lara Jonasdottir, clinical educator and medical herbalist. If you would like to find out more about the courese please click here.

 

A Glimpse into the Future

Our vision for Pods Academy is only beginning as we have numerous exciting plans for the future which we hope to share with you along the way, these include future courses regarding variety of topics related to clinical education, supportive educational tools as well as general personal development methods in the clinical educational settings, amongst many more.

 

We hope that you will join us on this exciting journey of creating a supportive clinical education community

Regardless of whether you are a newcomer to clinical education, possess considerable experience, or are simply enthusiastic about clinical education and personal development, we are truly grateful to have you with us.

Looking forward to supporting your clinical education journey,

The Pods Academy Team


Available courses

Master the Art of Feedback with Expert Guidance from Lara Jonasdottir, Clinical Educator

In any learning or professional setting, the ability to give effective feedback is a vital skill—one that can transform individuals and teams. "An Essential Course in Giving Effective Feedback" is designed specifically for clinical educators, healthcare professionals, and anyone looking to develop their feedback skills to inspire growth and improvement.

Guided by Lara Jonasdottir, a seasoned clinical educator and medical herbalist, this course dives into the key principles of impactful feedback. Through interactive lessons, real-world examples, and video demonstrations, you’ll learn to:

  • Understand the fundamentals of feedback and its crucial role in learning and professional environments.
  • Deliver feedback that motivates and fosters development, turning constructive criticism into a positive, actionable conversation.
  • Handle challenging feedback scenarios with empathy and practical strategies.
  • Apply effective feedback techniques across various clinical settings, with insights drawn from Lara’s extensive experience in collaborative healthcare.

By the end of this course, you'll be equipped with the tools to deliver feedback that is timely, thoughtful, and transformational—skills that will enhance your professional interactions and empower those you teach and work alongside.

Completion Certificate: Upon finishing the course, you’ll receive a certificate signed by Lara Jonasdottir, recognising your expertise in giving effective feedback—an impressive addition to your professional credentials.


Why Learn with Lara Jonasdottir?

Lara brings over 15 years of experience in clinical education, blending practical insights with a compassionate, hands-on approach to teaching. She’s worked alongside leading healthcare practitioners and developed courses for professional institutions, making her an expert in guiding learners through complex concepts with clarity and empathy. With Lara’s guidance, you’ll not only master the techniques of effective feedback but also learn to inspire confidence and growth in others.

Lara’s Teaching Philosophy: "Effective feedback isn’t about pointing out flaws; it's about guiding someone toward their own strengths and helping them succeed."

Course Duration & Study Time: This course is designed to be completed in just a couple of hours, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule. You can take it at your own pace, with engaging activities and practical exercises that reinforce your learning.

Cost: Enroll now for an introductory price of €30. This fee grants you access to all course materials, activities, and a certificate of completion signed by Lara Jonasdottir.

Group Discounts: If you are interested in enrolling a group or a team, please contact us for information on discounted rates and tailored learning experiences.


The Office – Your Campus Hub

Welcome to The Office, the central hub of Pods Academy. Think of it as our online reception and resource center—a place where faculty, admin, and eventually all community members can access essential resources, find announcements, and connect with academy support. Here, we aim to create a friendly space, much like the administrative office on a college campus, where questions can be answered, guidance is offered, and resources are readily available.

Who’s it for? Currently, The Office is open to faculty and administrators, but as we expand, we’ll open it up for self-enrollment, inviting students and all members to join. Our goal is to make it the go-to spot for everyone involved in Pods Academy.

What can you find here?

  • Announcements & Updates: Stay in the loop with the latest from Pods Academy.
  • Resources & Guides: Access tools and documents to support your role in the community.
  • Support & Assistance: Find answers to questions or connect with our support team for extra help.

Whether you're here to check an announcement, download a form, or get assistance, The Office is designed to serve as your reliable point of contact. Join us in keeping Pods Academy running smoothly and fostering a supportive, well-connected educational community.