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Real-World Technologies Learning
Discover how outdoor environments support hands-on learning in Design and Digital Technologies, fostering authentic problem-solving and innovation.
Inclusive and Sustainable Design Strategies
Learn how to create inclusive, user-centred, and environmentally responsible learning activities using natural and built environments.
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Addressing Implementation Challenges
Explore practical solutions to common challenges such as safety, material access, digital integration, and curriculum alignment in outdoor Technologies education.
About the Course
This foundational course explores how outdoor environments can serve as dynamic contexts for teaching Technologies across all levels of education. Designed to support and inspire educators, the module offers practical strategies for integrating Design and Technologies and Digital Technologies into the outdoors- through real-world challenges, sustainable design thinking, systems exploration, and data-driven inquiry. Participants will discover how outdoor learning fosters critical and creative thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and environmental responsibility. The course also addresses key considerations for implementation, including curriculum alignment, safety, accessibility, and adapting to diverse school settings.
Meet Your Instructor
Luke Parker Luke Parker is an award-winning educator, researcher, and leader specializing in outdoor learning and artificial intelligence in education. With a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas, Luke has explored the role of outdoor learning in U.S. education, including the first nationwide study of its implementation and impact. Luke's professional journey began in Australian schools, where he combined his expertise in outdoor education and teaching. As an Education Officer for Outdoors Victoria since 2017, Luke spearheaded the development of over 30 teacher toolkits, equipping educators with strategies to integrate outdoor learning across curricula. His work has been instrumental in showcasing how outdoor environments can enrich learning in diverse subjects, from health and physical education to humanities and technologies.
Unit Overview
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1
Outdoor Learning in Technologies Education
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(Included in full purchase)
Welcome to Technologies and the Outdoors
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(Included in full purchase)
Introductory Survey
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(Included in full purchase)
Technologies and Outdoor Learning
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(Included in full purchase)
Toolkit Reflection Activity: Exploring Outdoor Technologies Education
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(Included in full purchase)
Discussion Board Collaboration
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(Included in full purchase)
Design Audit: Outdoor Problem-Solving Challenge
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(Included in full purchase)
Discussion Activity: Should the Outdoors Be Tech-Free?
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(Included in full purchase)
Technologies and the Outdoors - Are they connected ?
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(Included in full purchase)
Digital Meets Physical: Hybrid Tech Integration
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(Included in full purchase)
End-of-Module Check-In
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(Included in full purchase)
Acknowledgment
We sincerely thank the Department of Education and the Strategic Partnerships Program (SPP) for their generous support in making this program possible. Their commitment to professional development and inclusive education has allowed us to create and deliver these modules, equipping educators with the tools to foster meaningful outdoor learning experiences. This initiative would not have been possible without the backing of the Department and the SPP, and we are proud to collaborate in empowering teachers to make a lasting impact in their classrooms.
Outdoors Victoria Professional Development Modules
Throughout 2024 and 2025, Outdoors Victoria will release 15 professional development modules designed to empower educators with practical tools and strategies to integrate outdoor learning across the curriculum. These modules are updated annually to ensure relevance and alignment with the evolving needs of school teachers. Module Highlights: Introduction to Outdoor Learning Explore the principles, benefits, and applications of outdoor learning across diverse educational settings. Geography and Outdoor Learning Learn strategies for teaching geographical skills, location identification, and data collection through outdoor experiences. Science and Outdoor Learning Enhance scientific understanding through outdoor experiments, observations, and field-based activities. Mathematics and Outdoor Learning Connect mathematical concepts to real-world applications using outdoor activities. English and Outdoor Learning Foster language skills with nature journaling, environmental debates, and outdoor storytelling. History and Outdoor Learning Engage with historical narratives and contexts by utilizing outdoor environments as interactive learning spaces. Health and Physical Education (Parts 1 & 2) Promote physical activity and well-being through outdoor games, sports, and risk-taking in safe settings. The Arts and Outdoor Learning Inspire creativity through outdoor art, music, dance, and drama projects. Languages and Outdoor Learning Support language acquisition with immersive, context-based activities in outdoor settings. Technologies and Outdoor Learning Leverage technology, such as geocaching and augmented reality, to enrich outdoor learning experiences. Music Education and Outdoor Learning Use natural soundscapes and outdoor musical activities to ignite creativity and expression. Humanities and Outdoor Learning Explore civics, economics, and business concepts through engaging outdoor projects. Intercultural and Ethical Capabilities Foster cultural understanding and ethical reasoning with outdoor activities that highlight diverse perspectives. Personal, Social, Critical, and Creative Thinking Build resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills through collaborative outdoor challenges. Cross-Curriculum Priorities Integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures into outdoor learning programs. These modules are designed to enhance student engagement, deepen learning, and provide educators with innovative approaches to teaching. Stay tuned for the release of each module and join the journey to transform your teaching practices through outdoor learning.
Unlock the Potential of Outdoor Learning
Join a vibrant community of educators and transform your teaching approach! Enrol now to begin your journey toward creating dynamic outdoor learning experiences.