{"id":8680,"date":"2021-06-30T14:28:51","date_gmt":"2021-06-30T14:28:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.imegcorp.com\/?p=8680"},"modified":"2021-09-01T20:43:16","modified_gmt":"2021-09-01T20:43:16","slug":"outdoor-learning-environments-education-in-the-post-covid-era","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.imegcorp.com\/insights\/blog\/outdoor-learning-environments-education-in-the-post-covid-era\/","title":{"rendered":"Outdoor Learning: For some schools, it may become more than just a change of scenery"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Naseer Ahmed<\/span><\/p>\n

A<\/span>s students\u00a0<\/span>continue to return<\/span>\u00a0to the classroom<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>many\u00a0<\/span>sc<\/span>hool\u00a0<\/span>districts<\/span>\u00a0are reimagin<\/span>ing<\/span>\u00a0traditional learning spaces<\/span>, in some cases<\/span> bringing them outside <\/span>to help support the safe return of in-person instruction.\u00a0<\/span>The Los Angeles County Office of Education, for example, recently released a 54-page report, Design Guidelines for Outdoor Learning Environments<\/span><\/a>. I contributed to this report, along with thought leaders from HMC Architects, Bernards, and AHBE | MIG. School administrators, parents, and students also provided input.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving classes outside is not easy. A school must not only be willing to participate but also be in a location with a suitable outdoor environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

As students continue to return to the classroom, many school districts are reimagining traditional learning spaces, in some cases bringing them out.\u00a0\u00a0On top of this,\u00a0not all classes\u00a0are good candidates for outdoor learning.\u00a0While gym classes and reading lessons might have an easy time transitioning to outdoor environments,\u00a0other subjects that require more\u00a0resources\u00a0might not.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The guide covered various components critical to outdoor learning spaces\u00a0\u2013 seating, shading and protection, teaching tools and resources, space definition, landscaping, infrastructure, and construction.\u00a0Some of the strategies included:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n