Project-Oriented Pedagogical Model for Construction Engineering Education Using Cyberinfrastructure Tools

Abstract

Virtual interactive construction education (VICE) is a project-based pedagogical model that uses cyberinfrastructure tools to transform traditional subject-based lectures into project-based virtual interactive simulations. This research measured level of engagement and perceived construction content knowledge gained when exposed to VICE. A case study evaluation design utilized a mixed methodology of both quantitative and qualitative methods. Content knowledge was measured with a retrospective presurvey and postsurvey using 40 high school juniors and seniors with no construction education and 12 college-level construction students. The self-reported level of engagement showed participants to be mildly to very engaged. The perceived increase in construction content knowledge was significant for the high school students for all six subject areas and was significant in four subject areas for the college students. While significantly more research is needed to measure the actual gain in construction knowledge compared to traditional instruction, the results show that contextually rich project-based interactive simulations show much promise for construction education and potentially other project-oriented domains.