Exploring the Impact of Various Interactive Displays on Student Learning in Construction Courses

Abstract

Exploring BIM Impacts on Students Learning in Engineering Courses Using Various Interactive DisplaysAbstractA user-friendly interactive knowledge repository that provides a conducive learning environmentis needed to enhance students’ learning capabilities. Building Information Modeling (BIM), as atool for communicating design intent in the architecture engineering and construction (AEC)industry, facilitates development ofsuch knowledge repositories and fosters conducive learningenvironments. Previous research has explored the use of 3D models in engineering educationapplications. What has not been considered is the use of “Smart Models” to enhance not onlyvisualization but also information access and integration with these models along with how theycan impact student performance. The aim of this paper is to compare different hardware optionsand Human Computer Interaction (HCI) modes, which may positively affect studentperformance when BIM related applications are used in construction education. Based on thefindings, participants preferred touch screen tablet using stylus (TTouch+S mode), as aninteraction mode, rather than touch screen tablet using finger (TTouch+F ) and touch screendesktop computer using finger (DTouch+F). They believed that using this interaction systemhelped them to complete tasks successfully. Thus, it is important to consider that interactivedisplay technologies have the potential to provide faculty with a tool that can improve teachingin construction educationin a more visual and interactive way and greatly enhance theeducational experience of students.Keywords: BIM, Construction education, Interactive displays, HCI.