Open Educational Resources Include Free Online Course and Textbook
LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA — SOWELA Technical Community College faculty are helping drive Louisiana’s transportation workforce forward through the development of a new open educational resource (OER) curriculum for individuals pursuing a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
SOWELA CDL Instructor Paul Guillory and Program Coordinator Byron Knox developed the majority of the curriculum, drawing on more than 43 years of combined industry experience. SOWELA Librarian Connie Milton served as editor for the project.
The new resources include a CDL manual and an online course that can be integrated into virtually any learning management system.
“The materials include a CDL manual and online course that can be converted into any learning management system,” said Milton. “Although the resources are delivered digitally, they may be downloaded and printed at no cost.”
The project is part of Building a Competitive Workforce, a statewide, three-year initiative led by the Louisiana Library Network (LOUIS) and the Louisiana Board of Regents. Funded through a $2.125 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the initiative aims to improve access to and completion of career and technical education programs by eliminating textbook cost barriers. The project has the potential to save Louisiana students more than $6 million annually while expanding access to workforce training opportunities.
For SOWELA CDL students, the new resources will eliminate approximately $145 in textbook costs per student while reducing instructional material expenses for the program.
Knox said the curriculum was designed to provide students with practical knowledge that extends beyond exam preparation.
“The course can be customized for individual training programs and includes topics such as rules and regulations, roadside inspections, and what students can expect when transitioning from the classroom to the workforce,” said Knox. “Students also retain access to the course materials after completing the program, providing a valuable reference as they begin their careers.”
In addition to CDL-specific content, the curriculum incorporates digital skills that are increasingly important in today’s transportation industry, including keyboarding, technology navigation, and the use of digital tools commonly encountered in the field.
While curriculum development is complete, the next phase of the project begins this fall when the curriculum is implemented in SOWELA’s CDL training program.
“Our students will complete surveys to evaluate how effectively the coursework supports the hands-on training components of the program,” said Guillory. “We will use their feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and ensure the curriculum continues to meet industry needs.”
“Our goal is to prepare students for success in the workforce, not simply to help them pass a state examination,” Knox said.
SOWELA’s CDL program is the only one in Louisiana to incorporate virtual reality technology and driving simulators, representing an investment of more than $500,000. These tools allow students to practice pre-trip inspections, develop troubleshooting skills, and gain a deeper understanding of vehicle maintenance before getting behind the wheel. Instructor feedback tools also help identify areas for improvement and provide personalized coaching before students begin on-road training.
In addition, SOWELA offers a free online permit preparation course to help students begin their CDL training journey.
In Louisiana, 1 in 18 jobs are in the trucking industry, as reported by the Louisiana Motor Transport Association.
For more information about SOWELA’s CDL training program, including admission requirements and course schedules, visit www.sowela.edu/cdl.