Culvert Design, Installation and Maintenance Independent On-Line Distance Learning Course

Project summary:

An online independent distance learning (ODL) course will be designed and developed providing a sustainable, high-quality, low-cost learning product to students and employers. The ODL course will be ongoing and static and will not require an on-site or online instructor, ensuring a low-maintenance learning format. The course will be available to anyone interested in learning new skills, methods, and techniques in gravel road maintenance and design. The anticipated audience is city, county, and township highway and street department personnel who have responsibility for installing and maintaining drainage throughout Minnesota. The course will be open to anyone in the nation and worldwide. The online course will be developed in conjunction with a designated culvert expert, an instructional web design expert, and Continuing Professional Education; advised by a committee of technical experts; and managed by Minnesota LTAP. The course will be compiled of curriculum developed by the culvert expert and pertinent existing articles and reference materials, as well as any video clips that may need to be created. Exercises and quizzes will be included in the lessons followed by a final exam. A Minnesota LTAP Roads Scholar credit will be issued for completion of the course. This format of training will enable participants to learn at their own pace and remain in the comfort of their home or work place, thus eliminating travel expenses.