68th Canadian Geotechnical Conference and 7th Canadian Permafrost Conference

REDESIGNING FIELD SCHOOL: E-PARTICIPATION IN GEOTECHNICAL FIELD EXERCISES.

Session: Geotechnical Education Challenges / Défis de la formation en géotechnique

Efrosyni-Maria Skordaki, Centre for Distance Education, Athabasca University (Canada)
Nicholas Vlachopoulos, Civil Engineering Department, Royal Military College of Canada (Canada)

There is much academic debate in terms of what to include in undergraduate and graduate programs for GeoEngineering students at Canadian Universities (and abroad) in order for a student to gain fundamental knowledge and become fully prepared for the challenges associated with the workforce. In determining the proper balance of methods and tools to be utilized within a Geological / Geotechnical Engineering graduate program, a number of factors need to be considered. The most prevalent of these factors are: The current state of industry and their requirements, technological improvements, sustainable development as well as the advancement of educational tools and techniques. This paper highlights the use of blended, synchronous/asynchronous interactions for the purposes of enhancing geological field exercises; not limiting the experience to those physically on the field exercise. This proof of concept case study demonstrates that field exercises, related assignments and real world learning do not have to be limited to those that can afford to participate in such excursions. The paper will underscore the relevance of the inclusion of such activities, technologies and associated teaching methods balanced against the very real time, fiscal and technology constraints and a need to optimize these efforts.