Increasing Knowledge of Scheduling Activity Sequencing in Construction Management Education Using Interactive 3D Gaming Models

Educating and training students in construction management practices is challenging. As construction projects become increasingly complex, processes to meet more stringent cost, time, and quality requirements are necessary. Post-secondary construction management programs rely primarily on lectures, projects and field trip students to instruct students on industry practices. These programs often encourage their students to intern with construction firms to gain experience that cannot be provided in the classroom. While internships are invaluable to the education process, the scope of work provided is often limited to specific tasks and cannot always provide students opportunities to witness all the stages and complexities of a construction project.

An evolving area of research explores the use of educational computer simulations to enhance construction engineering education and facilitate the understanding of construction processes. One such area of focus is project scheduling, more specifically the sequencing of activities.

This research explored the value of interactive gaming models in teaching the construction concepts of activity sequencing for construction projects. A novel interactive method was developed, implemented, and tested to engage students in a virtual experiential simulation learning environment where they are exposed to the building. The educational value of the interactive gaming simulation was then assessed through pre- and post- surveys.

The development, implementation, and pedagogical value of this technological approach was studied as a complement to traditional methods for teaching construction scheduling and management. Although the findings of this research were inconclusive, the development of technology-oriented solutions to facilitate virtual field experiences in Construction Management Education (CME) programs shows promising potential. Future studies in this area should develop user interfaces and experiences that are interesting and engaging to the CME students.