Glick, S; Porter, D and Smith, C (2012) Student visualization: Using 3-d models in undergraduate construction management education. International Journal of Construction Education and Research, 8(1), pp. 26-46. ISSN 1557-8771
Abstract
Three-dimensional computer models used in the classroom may help increase student understanding of new and complex course material, and provide an opportunity to enhance visuo-spatial skills. Students lacking these abilities may have difficulty visualizing construction systems and components. This study explores the results of a survey conducted in the Fall of 2009 as part of a curriculum development project in the Construction Management Department at one University. Over twenty 3D models were created from figures in the course text and used, to varying degrees, in three sections of a materials and methods class. Focusing on four CSI divisions, the results indicate that students' perceptions of learning masonry (F (2,123)=12.01, p=0.001) and metals (F (2,122)=3.6, p=0.031) increased when 3D models were part of the course material presentation. The results were also used to direct resources for additional 3D model development.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 3-d computer models; building information modeling; construction education; curriculum development; spatial cognition |
| Index terms: | construction management education, survey, visualization, curriculum development, construction system, cognition, construction education, classroom, 3D model, building information modelling, metal, undergraduate |
| Subjects: | cognitive psychology, professional education, building construction, curriculum development, computational design, construction type, information systems, traditional and composite building materials, design practice, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Design Practice, Construction Technology, Construction Materials, Research Practice, Education, Engineering Principles |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here