The overall goals of this project are to: (i) develop the SERDP & ESTCP e-Learning Platform that offers a complementary technology transfer approach that may be freely used by anyone, anytime, anywhere; (ii) develop four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) e-learning modules that provide valuable and timely education opportunities to a broad and diverse target audience on topics that are of urgent need; and (iii) develop a platform for providing certificates of attendance to licensed professionals who have requirements for continuing education. These four e-learning modules will include a total of 4.5 hours of content that cover the following topics: PFAS chemistry primer, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF)-impacted site conceptual model, in situ PFAS remediation using colloidal activated carbon with case studies and answers to frequently-asked questions, and PFAS monitored and enhanced retention approaches for in situ remediation. An e-learning Communication Plan will be prepared to develop effective marketing strategies that ensure there will be high audience participation in these e-learning modules.

Industry-leading e-learning authoring software (Articulate Storyline 360) will be used to develop the SERDP & ESTCP multimedia “player” template, as well as the e-learning content for each module. The e-learning player is an interface that includes a detailed course outline so that participants have the option to move through each module sequentially, or to easily access select portions of a module for a quick refresher at any time. Player controls also allow participants to easily replay the narration on a specific slide, or to move back and forth between slides. This self-paced format provides an important advantage so that participants with a diverse range of competencies and backgrounds will all benefit from these e-learning modules. This provides a major advantage for e-learning over classroom courses where all participants learn at the same pace.

This e-learning platform will allow users to develop a better understanding of site characterization, remedial design, and long-term monitoring requirements for PFAS in situ remediation technologies, which will ultimately result in more effective implementation. The aggregate benefit is the realization of significant cost savings through more efficient and accelerated implementation of new technologies at potentially hundreds of sites. In addition, these modules will also help to improve regulatory acceptance of new technologies, which will accelerate their adoption. The e-learning platform is broadly applicable to many technologies, so future modules can be easily developed on an as-needed basis. The successful execution of this platform will improve PFAS-impacted site management processes, ultimately protecting the warfighter and installation communities. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2027)