Description

The Ultimate Online Field Guide Course For Aspiring Guides

Get into the world of field guiding with EcoTraining’s Online Field Guide Course. This comprehensive program covers all 17 FGASA Nature Site Guide qualification modules, providing an engaging introduction to field guiding and wildlife conservation.

Learning Objectives

Participants will gain knowledge and skills in:

• Ecology and conservation management.
• Animal behaviour, tracks, and taxonomy.
• Creating guided nature experiences.
• Understanding the natural environment, including weather, biomes, and geology.

This online field guide course is ideal for aspiring guides or anyone passionate about nature.

Course Format and Structure

Live Interactive Lectures: Engage with instructors and fellow participants during live sessions.

Theory Reviews and Assessments: Strengthen your understanding with quizzes and assignments.

Workbook Support: Practical tools to aid your learning journey.

Access to Recordings: Revisit lectures any time during the year of enrolment.

Duration: Eight weeks of structured learning, designed for flexibility.

Modules and Lessons

The course covers 17 Modules which includes:

• Introduction to guiding in the natural environment 
• Creating a guided nature experience 
• Geology 
• Basic ecology
• Weather and climate
• Introduction to the biomes of Southern Africa
• Botony and grasses
• Animal behaviour (including tracks)
• Mammals
• Birds
• Arthropods
• Reptiles
• Astronomy
• Amphibians
• Basic taxonomy
• Fish
• Conservation management and historical human habitation

Course Features

Interactive Learning: Videos, quizzes, and live Q&A sessions.

Flexible Access: Review recorded sessions at your convenience.

FGASA Modules: Cover all the essentials to prepare for the FGASA theory exam.

FGASA Campus platform: Students will get access to the FGASA Campus platform, where they must complete a digital workbook.

Mock Exams: Access to a mock exam to assist students with preparation for the official exam

Instructors and Expertise

Learn from seasoned professionals with years of field experience. Our instructors bring their passion for conservation and education to every session. Instructor availability may vary, ensuring you gain diverse insights and expertise, with assistance from a qualified lecturer.

Course Specific Details

In this course, you’ll also benefit from the following:

• Short quizzes after each module 
• Technical support 
• Student support 
• EcoTraining Assessment (after course, before the theory exam)
• Online theory exam after the course (FGASA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) exam) 
• Once the online course is completed, participants qualify for a discounted rate if the practical section has been completed with EcoTraining (35-Day Field Guide Practical)

Certification and Accreditation

Upon completion of the online field guide course, participants will:

Receive an EcoTraining Certificate of Participation.
Be eligible to write the FGASA theory exam for the Field Guide (NQF2) qualification (Theory section only – Must do practical to gain full NQF2 qualification.).
Graduate with FGASA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) theory Certificate.

Certificates are issued six to eight weeks after the final exam.

Things to note

• The practical section must be completed for full qualification
• On the day registration closes, the eLearning department will contact students and send further information. Lectures will not take place on our eLearning website. All communication will be through email, and during the live lectures, or a WhatsApp group.