Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Environmental Education 

Description: UDL is an approach that improves and optimizes teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn. UDL is a framework to guide the design of learning environments that are accessible and challenging for all and that gives all students equal opportunity to succeed. Ultimately, the goal of UDL is to support students and participants to become “expert learners” who are, each in their own way, purposeful and motivated, resourceful and knowledgeable, and strategic and goal-driven.

This course is designed to encourage you to reflect deeply on your practice to focus on how you plan and teach to support all learners. The course content and associated assignments are geared towards practicing environmental and outdoor educators. We hope this course will inspire you to strengthen your pedagogical practices so they are more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible.

Timing: This 6-week course takes approximately 12 hours to complete. The course runs from November 1st through December 13th, 2023. This course is offered on a quarterly basis. 

Format: This is an asynchronous online course. 

• All activities must be completed independently on your own time/schedule within the 6-week timeframe. 

• We will provide a suggested timeline and periodic reminders to encourage the timely completion of assignments. While we want to be flexible, we also want these learning experiences to be meaningful and we think timely and periodic work in the course will benefit participants more than trying to complete coursework at the last minute.

• Coursework includes watching videos, reading articles, posting on public forums and Padlet boards, and writing/recording personal reflections.

• The course is managed through Moodle - participants will be sent an invitation to access the course on the start date. 

The course will be moderated by Amy Williams, Ed.D.

One graduate unit is available upon completion of the course (the unit costs $79 and is purchased separately from University of San Diego). Note that you must also submit a certificate of competition in order to receive your transcript.

Course content was designed by Michelle Silvers of Silver’s Lining PLLC, Estrella Risinger with AEOE, Michelle Pearce and Lauren Pyle with the Environmental Educators of North Carolina (EENC), with contributions from Rebekah Jones and the Cooper Center for Environmental Learning.