Introduction to Teaching and Learning Outdoors - EDC-X759AA
Course Description
Credit Validation for Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE) Participants Only
This course equips educators with the knowledge, skills, tools, and resources to take environmental education learning outdoors. Participants will learn strategies for managing students outdoors, adapting instruction to changing weather conditions, and effectively using technology in outdoor learning environments.
Learner Outcomes
- Articulate a case for outdoor learning by describing at least five research- or evidence-based benefits of teaching outdoors
- Define outdoor learning and provide examples of how it can be incorporated into teaching practice
- Identify potential barriers to outdoor learning for students and strategies to minimize or eliminate those barriers
- Assess at least five outdoor learning opportunities appropriate for students
- Develop strategies for gaining the necessary support for short-, medium-, and long-term outdoor learning goals and projects, including effective communication of the who, what, and how
- Implement strategies for successful outdoor learning, including student management, adapting to weather conditions, and using technology in outdoor settings
- Compare indoor and outdoor learning environments to determine effective approaches for teaching outdoors and complete an outdoor learning plan addressing goals and objectives, support, inclusion, classroom management, locations, curriculum connections, weather, safety, and necessary materials and supplies
Course Details
PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS
IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ENROLL WITH THE PARTNERED ORGANIZATION AND PAY ALL REQUIRED FEES BEFORE PURCHASING UNITS THROUGH USD.Number of Units: 1.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours.
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for AEOE Participants.
University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information
The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.
Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.
These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.
Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.
If you would like to purchase Continuing Education Units (CEUs) instead of USD Graduate-Level Extension Credit (GLEC), CEU participants will receive a Confirmation of Completion Letter documenting the CEUs earned, which can be downloaded and provided as a PDF for professional records. Click here for CEU Requests – Participant Instructions.
Directions to Enroll for Credit
Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization
Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.
Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.
Step 2: Complete the Course
Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments. (Some courses, specifically DoDEA courses, may require participants to purchase units before the course ends; please check the enrollment window for details.)
Step 3: Register for University Credit
After confirming your registration with the partner organization and completing your program, return to USD’s website.
- Locate the same course on our listings page
- Click Add to Cart
- Click Check Out
- You will be prompted to either log into your USD Student Account or create one, and then pay for your units
If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.
Step 4: Submit your Certificate of Completion
After completing this course, you are required to submit your certificate of completion, which will be provided by your program. Please be sure to purchase your credits first, then email your certificate to pce-cv@sandiego.edu, including the course number in your message.
Step 5: Receive Your Transcript
No further action is needed. Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned university credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account.
Transcript Process: Once we receive your certificate of completion, we will begin processing your transcript. Participants are responsible for ensuring that their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.
Transcript Delivery Timeline:
- U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
- International addresses: 3–4 weeks
For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.
Need additional university credit or CEUs? Visit the Credit Validation Course Catalog to explore available credit options.