Virtual Reality Models for Promoting Learners Engagement in Construction Studies

Virtual Reality (VR) models have been used in tertiary education to provide unreachable real-life experiences to learners. Often construction class facilitators find it is very challenging to engage in experiential learning activities (e.g., site visits) due to hectic project environment and its health and safety risks. VR models can, therefore, be used as an alternative way of conducting virtual construction site visits, as part of an effective curriculum delivery process. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of VR models for promoting learners engagement in construction studies. We created a virtual reality model of sustainable building features (earth building techniques, rainwater harvesting tank, dry toilet, solar panels, and green wall) to stimulate sustainability in construction studies. We showcased the project at Auckland Build Expo 2018 (ABE2018) for the public. Construction students evaluated the effectiveness of the VR model through an anonymous questionnaire survey. The results show that VR models used could provide an intuitive and safe way to engage construction students. It was evident through student evaluation survey results, some visitors who commented on our VR model during ABE2018 and student assessment results. Further, 71.5% of learners involved in this project believed that VR models are useful in construction studies due to their convenience and easy access and found it an asset to their learning. VR models help understand earth building techniques and sustainable features which are rarely available to access. They could help class facilitators engage with experiential learning activities to improve their teaching quality and to make the learning process more enjoyable.