dispatches from the new world of work

Keep On Truckin'

Great snippet in this week's Newsweek. "Keep On Truckin'" describes In-Cab University, "the first accredited college catering to the trucking community. Drivers, whose classes start this week, listen to lectures while on the road and submit assignments at rest stops and loading docks using cell phones and Wi-Fi." One driver-student, Stephen Fraser, 38 and a business major, says: "Rather than driving all day and dreaming about lottery winnings, I'm actually using my mind." Several fleets are covering the $225 per credit hour cost. Courses are offered in science, business, the humanities, and personal growth (the latter addressing such relevant issues as long-distance relationships).

Talk about a positive spin for the tech revolution! Congrats to the creators of In-Cab University, the "freshman" drivers—and the companies that are ponying up.

Tom Peters posted this on 09/01/06.

Comments

A quote from the article --

"Rather than driving all day and dreaming about lottery winnings, I'm actually using my mind," says Fraser, a business-management major.

Only one major concern - Quality of the education.

Business mgmt is a serious business. I'm sure most of you will agree. This in not something that can be mastered by someone "While on the road and by submiting assignments at rest stops and loading docks using cell phones and Wi-Fi."

Give me a break!

Posted by Ron at September 1, 2006 11:39 PM

Ron, I could not disagree more. Could it be awful? Sure. But the same is true of many, many residential Biz programs. I think learning and on-line learning is a wondrous thing.

Posted by tom peters at September 2, 2006 11:24 AM

I feel that any use of your brain is preferable to going numb and zoning out. I wonder if these lectures are interesting enough to actually pique interest. If so, maybe it will help truckers prevent falling asleep at the wheel? At any rate, its awesome that there is an option to learn while you work, in any environment.

Posted by Nick Adams at September 5, 2006 9:29 AM

Ron- you are correct in your first statement. Business management is important. Unfortunately so many truck drivers attempt to start their business with little to no experience and ultimately fail. Education to an underserved population is not something to sniff at, especially if they learn something to apply in their life!

Posted by Atlas at September 9, 2006 11:59 AM

Very refreshing! I applaud the efforts of In-Cab University. I would encourage those who question the quality of work to question the quality of their own statements. As it turns out, the degree programs are accredited by one of the toughest accrediting bodies in the country (SACS). At any rate, glad to see e-learning and technology raising the bar in the transportation industry, perfect timing!

Posted by Karoline at September 9, 2006 12:19 PM