Survey Law Education Through Distance Learning
After many months of research and course design, an initial distance learning course offering was delivered in early 2011 called, “Introduction to Canadian Common Law for Land Surveyors”. The course was designed to expose foreign trained professional land surveyors to the study of boundary law. Many present candidates for articles and licensing in professional land surveying have been welcomed to Canada as permanent residents as part of an immigration screening process that recognizes foreign education and credentials. In meeting its obligation to offer learning opportunities for such candidates to gain admission to the practice of professional surveying in Ontario, AOLS undertook the development of adult learning courses in all disciplines, including survey law. This presentation will describe the issues surrounding development and delivery of survey law learning. The challenges are usually daunting enough when the subject matter is law. What has made the development of this series of courses novel is the use of a Learning Management System (LMS) which allows for the integration of reading resources, external references, video vignettes, and a replay of past learning sessions. The course design has been internet based and allows for learner participation from a distance through the internet. For adult learners who are working, have families, and live away from the teaching venue, these courses offer new opportunities in the education of the geomatics professional. For existing members looking for professional development, the full suite of courses promises to be a rich resource for staying current and in touch with new developments in boundary law.