The Situation Engine: A New Approach to Work Integrated Learning

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is widely acknowledged as providing an excellent complement to academic study in vocational degree programs such as construction management. However, the current context of higher education, with its increasing enrolment numbers and tightening of available resources, makes the delivery of effective WIL quite problematic. One key element of WIL is the situated nature of the learning experience, where practical engagement with a work situation is core. The Situation Engine represents a new approach to situated learning. A Situation Engine is an application that provides for specific and managed practical building and construction experience to be made available to students through advanced digital technologies. The same engine can drive a multitude of learning situations. To be effective a Situation Engine must provide tailored experiences of practical situations using the utmost in virtual reality capabilities. This paper will describe and discuss the rationale for a prototype Situation Engine specific to teaching and learning residential construction technology. The particular development methodology framework used in the design and development process will be presented and reviewed. The prototype Situation Engine system has been trialled with 1st year undergraduate construction management students and is evaluated in that context.