Conference Session

Technology in Classrooms - Construction Engineering Perspective

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ihab Saad, East Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Construction

certainties a construction schedulewill have to go through. These changes might be due to an initial lack of information,false assumptions, unexpected events, or acts of God (Also known as Force Majeure).Regular and timely updating of the initially approved construction schedule becomes anecessity to reflect the impact of the different changes on the project timeline.This paper presents a new communication tool based on the framework of the WorkBreakdown Structure (WBS), and supplemented by multimedia files representing theplanned Vs. actual project performance in the form of digital pictures, still and animatedCAD drawings/models, and live video footage in addition to the computer-generatedschedule. This communication tool presents a multi-layered

Conference Session

Technology in Classrooms - Construction Engineering Perspective

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bob McCullouch, Purdue University; Joohyoung Lee, Purdue University-Calument

Tagged Divisions

Construction

learning theoryand apply to a course in civil engineering. In order to achieve a new paradigm of the computer-based learning in engineering education, the approach utilizes wireless technology along withPen-based Tablet PC used by the instructor and the students in the classroom. This enables a newlearning environment called “Paperless Classroom.”The ELT is a learning theory that describes learning as a four-step cycle based upon theorthogonal relationship of two continuums of cognitive growth and learning2, 3. Kolb describesexperiential learning proceeds through four modes: Concrete Experience (CE), AbstractConceptualization (AC), Reflective Observation (RO), and Active Experimentation (AE) basedon how people obtain knowledge and develop2. To

Conference Session

Trend in Construction Engineering Education I

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Eddy Rojas, University of Washington; Carrie Dossick, University of Washington

Tagged Divisions

Construction

) methods effective for certain students but ineffective for others ….” There are several models of learning style preferences. However, the authors recommend Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model7 as a starting point to understand student differences. Experiences can be developed to teach around the Kolb’s cycle by teaching for all four learning styles: Type 1 -- the diverger (concrete, reflective), Type 2 -- the assimilator (abstract, reflective), Type 3 -- the converger (abstract, active) Type 4 -- the accommodator (concrete, active) For example, Experiences in a lab setting can illustrate engineering concepts with the physical materials that perform or fail in

Conference Session

Trend in Construction Engineering Education II

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Haiyan Xie, University of Arkansas-Little Rock; James Tramel, University of Arkansas-Little Rock; Wei Shi, University of Florida; Mei Lu, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology

Tagged Divisions

Construction

systematic inquiry bycollaborative, self-critical communities of teachers and students, which takes place in schools. Itis pursued out of a desire of need to improve educational knowledge and practices. It isaccomplished through a recursive cycle of (1) identifying a problem area, (2) studying it bygathering data, and (3) reflecting on the data in order to make teaching decisions grounded inevidence rather than in hunches. Taking action is a moral imperative for the action researcherand an integral part of the research.Teachers are action researchers in classrooms. At first, teachers participate in study groups,institutes, and collaborative teams that others led or coordinated. Later they are facilitators ofaction research collaborative. Certain

Conference Session

Trend in Construction Engineering Education II

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Erdogan Sener, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; David Kieser, Kieser Consulting, LLC

Tagged Divisions

Construction

. According to the State of Indiana rules for registering to become aprofessional engineer, graduates holding the B.S. degree could sit for the EIT and FE exams,provided they had enough experience, to become registered professional engineers if they optedto do so and they still can. However, later on, the emphasis for the B.S. degree graduates of theDepartment became more focused on construction management than on civil or constructionengineering and preparing students for the P.E. license was no longer a part of the mission.The said course was revised to reflect the changes in the Department’s focus but probably neverto the degree that it would serve the needs of the current graduates more aptly in today’s

Conference Session

Trend in Construction Engineering Education I

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ifte Choudhury

Tagged Divisions

Construction

courses in communications, social sciences, andthe humanities. The content should reflect the needs of the construction industry as well as thephilosophy of the educational institution.Mathematics and ScienceA well-developed concept of mathematics and physical science is essential for a constructiongraduate. The technical process of construction can be best controlled by applying the principlesof mathematics, statistics, and computer science. Moreover, an understanding of the behavior ofmaterials, equipment, and methods used in construction require laws of physics, chemistry,geology, and environmental sciences.Business and ManagementA constructor is required to assume the responsibility of planning, management, co-ordination,and overall financial

Conference Session

Trend in Construction Engineering Education II

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Philip Dunn, University of Maine

Tagged Divisions

Construction

interpretation to public meetings. The ConstructionManagement Technology (CMT) program at the University adopted writing intensive standardswithin CET 356 Construction Documentation and Administration. In CET 356, students writeand revise formal business letters, memos, meeting minutes, and field notes through a series ofclass exercises based on an ongoing project. Exercises are evaluated through an assessment matrix. First draft assessments arereturned for student review and are resubmitted in a final form for grading. The informationfrom the two stage evaluation is reviewed to assess improvement in the individual student. Writing intensive requirements have been applied through two semesters over twoacademic years. Results reflect the

Conference Session

Trend in Construction Engineering Education II

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Paul Chinowsky, University of Colorado-Boulder; Hyman Brown, University of Colorado-Boulder

Tagged Divisions

Construction

thetransformation source. The constructor must understand that responses to these requirementshave effects that are not limited to the level at which they originate. Rather, decisions made ateither end of the source spectrum can significantly affect the entire spectrum. For example, adecision at the organization level to enhance the reputation of the organization throughexceptional quality will be reflected at the task level through increased implementation times atcritical project phases.Constituent ModifiersEach project contains requirements that must be addressed during the transformation process.For example, each project has a unique site on which it located, and each project has specificinfrastructure integration constraints such as traffic, electric