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Session 1606

Construction Communications Simulation Through Virtual Set-Up Environments and Information Technology

Abdul S. Kazi, Chotchai Charoenngam School of Civil Engineering, Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand

This paper describes and presents Construction Communications Simulation through Virtual Set- Up Environment and Information Technology which was embedded as a pilot learning module into the course Information Technology in Construction which is taught in the Spring term at the Asian Institue of Technology, Thailand. It was felt that while the course did justice to the theoretical aspects of information technology in construction, it failed to provide a hands on training environment exposing students to the realities of working in a complex and diverse construction project environment. Extensive course load limited the students from actually stepping out of the classroom for long periods to experience construction reality. For this the site had to be brought into the reach of the students and this was possible through an intitiative such as Construction Communications Simulation through Virtual Set-Up Environment and Information Technology (CCSTVSUEIT). Virtual sceanarios were created to simulate real life construction activities and to engage the students into the dynamics of decision making through information exchange and communications devices. The initial results were quite promising. As compared to the traditional output of students being equipped with theoretical knowledge, and support tools, now they were able to communicate better, utlize information technology in a meaningful manner for staisfaction of their information needs, and perhaps most important of all, they were prepared and ready to face the challenges of a complex and dynamic construction work environment.

I. Background

Time constraints, emerging technologies, and need for practical exposure for construction engineering and management students were strong issues needing addressment. Furthermore, traditional classroom environments focused only on knowledge and comprehension skills building with little focus on application. Construction communications simulation through virtual set-up environments and information technology (CCSTVSUEIT) was a learning module that aimed to extend these skills building to incorporate analysis and synthesis as well. In the long run, it aimed at helping students to extend their skill capabilities to include evaluation and decision making.

CCSTVSUEIT proposed to exploit the proper integration of communications and information technology to achieve gains at both academic and professional development levels. The underlying principles of CCSTVSUEIT were to enhance interactivity through practical exposure, case study based learning and active learning, to use online technology to break traditional classroom boundaries, and equip students with information and communication tools and techniques to provide them with better decision making skills. This was beleived necessary to

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Charoenngam, C., & Kazi, A. S. (1999, June), Construction Communication Simulation Through Virtual Set Up Environments And Information Technology Paper presented at 1999 Annual Conference, Charlotte, North Carolina. 10.18260/1-2--8120