Imagine teachers crafting engaging lessons that take students into nature right outside their school doors while using free and accessible tech! That's the vision behind "Branching Out: Blending Tech and Nature Across the Curriculum for Next-Level Education." This professional development leverages the latest adult learning theories to support teachers as they explore the basics of integrating nature and technology.

Studies have found that exposure to nature, even in small doses, supports students' overall well-being. According to Miller et al, a key barrier to teachers actually incorporating nature into their plans is a lack of confidence in their own abilities to do so (2022).

This professional development (PD) program is designed to create a supportive environment where learners can confidently explore the integration of nature and technology through readings, activities, peer groups and instructor coaching.

Branching Out: Blending Tech and Nature Across the Curriculum is a twelve-week online professional development (PD) program designed to help teachers integrate nature-based learning into their classrooms through the use of new technologies.

The program will feature a combination of online resources, including readings, videos, and activities, available through Google Classroom. Additionally, direct coaching will be provided to support teachers as they begin to develop and implement these lessons in their classrooms.

Miller NC, Kumar S, Pearce KL, Baldock KL. Primary School Educators' Perspectives and Experiences of Nature-Based Play and Learning and Its Benefits, Barriers, and Enablers: A Qualitative Descriptive Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Mar 8;19(6):3179. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19063179. PMID: 35328873; PMCID: PMC8954476.