Franklin University Partners with Brandmotion To Develop Training for the ODOT and DriveOhio Connected Vehicle Initiative

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

Franklin University is proud to announce its partnership with Brandmotion to offer in-person and online On-Board Unit (OBU) mechanics training in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and DriveOhio. The partnership provides training in support of DriveOhio’s connected vehicle initiatives that aim to empower residents to live their best lives through responsive, innovative and safe mobility solutions. Through this program, participants learn skills that prepare them for the ever-evolving automotive industry and are exposed to smart mobility technology at the grass roots level. As these technologies continue to mature this program and others like it, will futureproof Ohio’s workforce. 

Sharing expertise to benefit others is a long-standing tradition for Franklin University. Whether through creating curriculum for local and global partners, or using the University’s innovative media resources, Franklin University and its International Institute for Innovative Instruction (“the Institute”), work with partners to create engaging personalized learning experiences.

Partnering with businesses and governmental organizations to improve Ohioans' lives is core to who we are at Franklin and aligns with the goals of the State of Ohio Governor’s office,” shared Dr. Patrick Bennett, vice president, Academic Quality & Planning, and dean, School of Education, Franklin University. “The Institute is so proud to be part of this effort.”

In this newest partnership, the Institute faced the challenge of creating training that took into consideration pandemic safety protocols, as well as the unique needs of the end user. To solve the challenge, the Institute developed media-based instruction that utilized in-vehicle video, filmed using inventive equipment to compensate for constricted spaces.

“This partnership highlights the opportunities for Ohio’s workforce as connected and automated vehicle (CAV) technology matures and these deployments scale,” shared Howard Wood, executive director, DriveOhio. “The DeWine-Husted administration has prioritized continuing education programs such as this. In the 21st century, we must support programs that foster new talent development and provide opportunities to upskill our workforce to master technology-focused skills so Ohio workers can compete and succeed in the global economy.”

Through the creative approach, technicians installing the new technology can have training with them as they make the installations that enable connected vehicles to “talk” to each other, the roads, infrastructures, smartphones and other devices. Through this interconnectedness, snow trucks and city vehicles such as dump trucks can communicate in a manner that provides elevated safety and efficiency.  “Vehicle to vehicle, and vehicle to infrastructure communication provide drivers with early safety warnings that prevent accidents. Connected vehicle programs are a way cities and states are creating safer roads. Brandmotion is proud to partner with DriveOhio, the Ohio Department of Transportation and Franklin University to share our connected vehicle expertise with these technicians.” Said Jeff Varick, Brandmotion CEO and Founder.

The in-person training with installation manual was administered in Dec. 2020, with online training launched with full video production this month.

Learn more about the International Institute for Innovative Instruction, visit: https://www.franklin.edu/institute/about-us.

About Brandmotion
Since 2005, Brandmotion has been working continuously to reduce the number of lives lost on our roads due to traffic accidents. Specializing in the design, integration, and distribution of emerging automotive safety technology, Brandmotion is a recognized leader among aftermarket installers of mobile electronics. The company has served over 12 SmartCities nationwide as vehicle integrator to help them prove the benefits of connected vehicle technology to create safer roads.  The company has been part of multiple awards including Best of ITS in 2019 for its role in the Tampa Connected Vehicle Pilot.  Additional awards for its products include 2020 SEMA Best New Performance Product Finalist, 2018 SEMA Best New Van/Pickup/Sport Utility Product Award, and 2016 SEMA PRO Manufacturer of the Year honors at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).