Ecotech Institute Offers its First Free Online Course: “Introduction to Sustainability”

Ten-Week Course Offers Education on a Wide Variety of Sustainable Topics   
 
Anyone around the world who has an interest in sustainability can now access some of the specialized education offered by Ecotech Institute – online and free. Ecotech Institute, the only college entirely focused on sustainability-related job training, is now accepting registrations for its “Introduction to Sustainability” course. This is Ecotech’s first “massive online open course” (MOOC) through the Canvas Network, a popular way for highly esteemed educational institutions to offer free courses to the public. Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Program Chair and Manager of Environmental Operations will teach the class, beginning on May 6.
 
The ten-week course will explore various definitions of sustainability used by governments, businesses and individuals to address environmental, societal and economic problems around the world. In addition, students will learn ways to apply sustainable concepts in their own lives.

The dynamic course will cover a broad spectrum of topics including, but not limited to, understanding environmental impacts (climate change, greenhouse gases, depleting resources), social consequences (impact of decisions on health, poverty, income distribution) and financial opportunities (emerging industries, job creation).

“This exciting course is a hybrid of many topics that all relate to our planet, offering students a deep dive into history, biology, sociology, business and much more,” says Crider. “We are excited to extend our reach to people beyond the campus, offering insight into how much sustainability affects every person on the planet every single day.”

Upon completion of the course, students should also better understand:

• Triple Bottom Line (people, planet, profit, or Three Pillars);
• Thermodynamics;
• Fossil fuels;
• The balance and relationship between air, land, water resources and techniques for protecting and/or enhancing each;
• Human impact on biodiversity and the planet;
• Core concepts of green building rating systems;
• The possibilities of solar and wind power to meet future energy needs, as well as natural gas, nuclear power, and biofuels.

Each weekly topic will include a multimedia introduction/overview, short supplemental reading assignments and optional, more in-depth materials for those who want to enhance their knowledge in specific areas. Students will take multiple-choice quizzes and develop a personal sustainability vision, mission and goals. Students are also encouraged to network and collaborate with each other through discussion forums and Q&A sessions.

Space is limited so sign up today for the Introduction to Sustainability online course.