Fall eeCourse: Teaching and Learning Outdoors

September 9 – November 4, 2024

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills, tools and resources to take learning outdoors. This course should take you approximately 8-10 hours to complete. 

OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to: 

• Articulate your case and include at least five research/evidence-based benefits of teaching outdoors.
• Have a working definition and be able to provide examples of what outdoor learning is for you as a teacher.
• Identify potential barriers for your students and articulate ways to minimize or eliminate those barriers.
• Identify and assess at least five outdoor learning opportunities for your students.
• Express the who, what and how of strategies for gaining the necessary support for your short, medium and long term outdoor learning goals and/or projects.
• Identify strategies for successful outdoor learning which include overall strategies, management of students, adapting for weather and using technology outdoors.
• Compare and contrast the learning environments of an indoor classroom space and outdoor learning space to more effectively teach outdoors.
• Complete an outdoor learning plan which includes goals and objectives, getting support, inclusion, classroom management, location(s), curriculum connections, weather, safety and necessary materials and supplies.  

PREREQUISITES: 

• Experience working in formal or non-formal education is not required but highly encouraged.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: 

• Access to reliable internet and a desktop computer or laptop.

GRADING:

• Assignments must be completed with a score of 2 as indicated on the scoring guide provided.
• To receive a certificate of completion for 8 hours of work, you must complete all assignments and receive the scores as indicated above.

IMPORTANT DATES:
This course runs for 8 weeks, from September 9 – November 4, 2024. Although you can complete the course at your own pace, following the schedule below will ensure course completion by the final date:
Module 1 – Complete by September 23
Module 2 – Complete by October 7
Module 3 – Complete by October 21
Module 4 – Complete by November 4 – all coursework completed

Three scheduled Zoom meetings are an essential part of this course. These times could be adjusted by 30 minutes earlier.
Monday, September 9, 7:30 – 8:00 pm
Monday, September 23, 7:30 – 8:30 pm
Monday, October 14, 7:30 – 8:30 pm

If you are interested in the course, but have a conflict with these dates, contact Sophia Stephenson at director@arkansasee.org.

COST:

AEEA members: $65
Nonmembers: $100

REGISTER HERE