FY11 Gravel Roads ODL 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, static, and 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. We anticipate that the audience will be local agency transportation supervisors, motor grater operators, and maintenance personnel throughout Minnesota, but we hope that eventually the course will be a nationwide success leading the way for future development of other topics into ODL courses. The online course will be compiled from current gravel road training materials and the Gravel Road Maintenance: Meeting the Challenge DVD. Pertinent articles, reference materials, exercises, and quizzes will be included in the modules, followed by a final exam. Minnesota LTAP Roads Scholar credits will be issued for completion of the course. This format of training will enable participants statewide to learn at their own pace, remain in the comfort of their home or work place, and remove the cost of unnecessary travel expenses.