Desktop Virtual Environments in Construction Education

In construction science, classroom oriented education remains the preferred mode of teaching. Alternative methods such as field trips, use of 3D drawings, and physical models often supplement and enhance the understanding of students. In addition to the risks involved with field trips, designated sites may not be at the particular stage of construction during the academic semester, or the construction sequence may not be fast enough to demonstrate the multiple facets during field visits. Considerable pedagogical advantages can be achieved by the integration of IT and visualization tools in teaching construction engineering/technology. The objective of this research was to develop a desktop virtual environment using 3D, animations, virtual reality and walkthrough of construction processes of steel, concrete, and lightwood structures. These visualization techniques can be valuable aids not only in teaching in the classroom but also an effective self-directed tool for open learning via the web.