Professional Development and TransLink - Final Report
Author(s):
B.T. Kuhn, D.L. Jasek
Publication Date:
February 2000
Abstract:
The current and future success of the transportation infrastructure and its diverse array of components depend on developing a larger cadre of transportation professionals capable of designing, planning, managing, operating, and maintaining it. Professional development (PD) throughout the transportation profession is critical to the success of ITS and the transportation profession nationwide. Three primary efforts of this PD program include: (1) training and retraining of existing professionals for planning, designing, operating, and maintaining ITS systems; (2) training future leaders in the ITS industry through formal academic programs; and (3) educational outreach to elected officials, policy makers, and the general public. The intent of this project was to develop resources and foster awareness of transportation and ITS, thereby working to increase the pool of qualified transportation professionals entering the workforce in the 21st century. Three tasks were completed under this project: (1) the development of an ITS Professional Development Publications database; (2) the development of a traffic signal educational exercise for high school students; and (3) the preparation of a white paper on distance learning. The publications database contains information on the ITS Professional Development publications and materials the Center has in its library, ranging from journal articles and presentations to white papers and meeting notes. It is the intent of TransLink® and the Center that this database will be available on the Center's Internet site in the next few months and continually updated as new materials become part of the Center's library. The traffic signal exercise was designed to introduce students to the complex task of timing traffic signals. It discusses the importance of traffic signal control, the types of traffic signals used around the world, includes a brief overview of traffic signal equipment and settings, theory and terminology, and provides students with an opportunity to develop a physical lane design and timing plan for a model intersection. The white paper on distance learning defines the concept of distance learning, and the various advantages and disadvantages of its numerous components. TTI plans to use the paper to build a consensus both within its organization and among its partners on what distance learning avenues should be pursued and the facilities required to successfully implement the professional development efforts planned for the future.
Electronic Link(s):
Document/Product
http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/TransLink-00_01.pdf
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