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Ecotech Institute’s Free Online Course, “Introduction to Sustainability”, Changes the Way Students Approach Sustainability Student Feedback Demonstrates Appreciation and Value for the Course Denver, Colorado, April 23, 2014 – Student feedback from Ecotech Institute’s free online “Introduction to Sustainability” course proved the opportunity was valued by students across the globe and changed the way they approached sustainability initiatives. Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Program Chair and Manager of Environmental Operations, led the free online course for a second time earlier this year. There was a diverse mix of students, both men and women from all educational backgrounds and walks of life. Many students applied what they learned in the course to their communities and have said they’ll continue to expand on their education now that the course is complete. The course material applies to general green energy jobs, including solar jobs, wind turbine jobs, and overall careers in renewable energy. “The first Intro to Sustainability course last year was such a wild success, we felt like we had no choice but to bring it back,” Crider said. “I’m so happy that we did. The feedback we received proves that the course truly changes students’ lives. By allowing people to learn free of charge, we can help more people learn what sustainable living is all about.” The Introduction to Sustainability course is a “massive online open course” (MOOC), offered through the Canvas Network. MOOCs are a popular way for educational institutions to offer free courses to the public. Based in Aurora, Colorado, Ecotech Institute is the only college entirely focused on sustainability-related job training. The MOOC course explores various definitions of sustainability used by governments, businesses, and individuals to address environmental, societal, and economic problems around the world. In addition, students learn ways to apply sustainable concepts to their own lives. As part of the course, students have to complete a capstone project that involves writing their own sustainability-focused mission statement, vision, and goals.