Aside from FHWA, State departments of transportation (DOTs) also are broadcasting meetings and training via the Internet. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) hosted a live Webcast of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' (AASHTO) recent National Research Advisory Committee meeting. While researchers from 40 States and staff from AASHTO and FHWA attended the meeting in person in Mystic, CT, many others participated online. During the 4.5-day meeting, remote users were able to upload live video and pose questions and comments by sending faxes or e-mails. Meeting officials estimate that an average of 25 simultaneous connections was typical throughout the event.

In addition to the AASHTO meeting, ConnDOT has held several other Web events. In July 2004, the department hosted a 1-day workshop on modified asphalts for the Association of Modified Asphalt Producers. ConnDOT held the workshop at its materials testing facility for a live audience of about 35 people and for an online audience of 14 viewers. To access the agenda and on-demand streaming video, visit www.ct.gov/dot/AMAP.

In August 2004, ConnDOT hosted a 1-day Webcast of an FHWA-led conference entitled "Introduction to NCHRP 1-37A (Mechanistic-Empirical) Pavement Design Guide." This well-publicized event resulted in more than 110 users simultaneously connecting to the Webcast throughout the day. According to Drew Coleman of ConnDOT, user feedback was overwhelmingly positive. To view streaming video from the event, visit www.ct.gov/dot/pavement101.

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Web-based learning quickly is becoming a valuable way to provide transportation professionals with a wealth of knowledge. For agencies and individuals, the Web can save time and money, and reduce the hassle of travel.

Keri A. Funderburg is a contributing editor for PUBLIC ROADS.