Introduction to Teaching and Learning Outdoors

1 Unit
Credit Validation

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.

Course Details

PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS

IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ENROLL WITH THE PARTNERED ORGANIZATION AND PAY ALL REQUIRED FEES BEFORE PURCHASING UNITS THROUGH ÌÇÐÄÉç½».

Number of Units: 1.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours. 

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for AEOE Participants.

ÌÇÐÄÉç½» – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The ÌÇÐÄÉç½» 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 ÌÇÐÄÉç½»’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 ÌÇÐÄÉç½»; 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.

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: ÌÇÐÄÉç½» 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 ÌÇÐÄÉç½»’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 ÌÇÐÄÉç½» 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 [email protected], including the course number in your message.

Step 5: Receive Your Transcript
No further action is needed. Once your grade has been processed, ÌÇÐÄÉç½» will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned university credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your ÌÇÐÄÉç½» 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 ÌÇÐÄÉç½» 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 ÌÇÐÄÉç½» Credit Validation Program, please consult our

Need additional university credit or CEUs? Visit the to explore available credit options.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDC-X759AA – July 2026 10 Jul 202626 Aug 2026 1 $79

Introduction to Teaching and Learning Outdoors

10 Jul 202626 Aug 2026
1
$79
Credit Validation
Online Self-Paced

Audience: Educators in formal and nonformal settings who are interested in teaching outdoors

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, minus a $25 processing fee, if the refund is requested within 30 days of the enrollment date. Refunds will not be issued once a grade has been assigned or after the 30-day period has passed.

Enrollment Open Through: Sep/01/2026 12:00 AM – Dec/30/2027 11:59 PM

Review step #4 for instructions on how to submit your Certificate of Completion.

EDC-X759AA – February 2027 16 Feb 202702 Apr 2027 1 $79

Introduction to Teaching and Learning Outdoors

16 Feb 202702 Apr 2027
1
$79
Credit Validation
Online Self-Paced

Audience: Educators in formal and nonformal settings who are interested in teaching outdoors

Refund Policy: All Credit Validation enrollments are refundable, minus a $25 processing fee, if the refund is requested within 30 days of the enrollment date. Refunds will not be issued once a grade has been assigned or after the 30-day period has passed.

Enrollment Open Through: Apr/20/2027 12:00 AM – Dec/30/2027 11:59 PM

Review step #4 for instructions on how to submit your Certificate of Completion.

What You Will Learn

  • 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

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the ÌÇÐÄÉ罻’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why ÌÇÐÄÉç½»?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

600+

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In-depth, innovative, and relevant topics

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals.

Credit Validation

The ÌÇÐÄÉ罻’s Division of Professional and Continuing Education offers graduate-level extension credit for work completed in trainings, workshops, conferences, induction, credentials, and other professional development programs not offered directly by ÌÇÐÄÉç½». Complete one of the above and a member of our division will help you earn credit for your hard work and dedication to continuing your education.

Key Benefits of Credit Validation Courses

Make Your Work Count

Earn credit for your previous work in trainings, workshops, and conferences through a simple process.

Advance Faster

Save money by earning credit for work you completed and get one step closer to salary advancement.

Work Towards a Degree

Many receiving institutions may accept credits towards degree programs, giving you a head start in earning a graduate degree.