Designing learning events for construction management curriculum utilising 4d learning environments

Work-integrated learning has been acknowledged as a means to achieve a balance between theory and practice: the application of disciplinary knowledge and skills within a real world context. The intent being to produce graduates who engage effectively in their professional environment. However, within the discipline of construction management, the ability to contextualise learning as a realistic experience is often impeded by the hazardous nature of the industry, large cohorts, blended delivery and distance education. This paper reports on the development and preliminary use of a multi-disciplinary digital learning environment as an alternative approach to simulate the real world environment. Based on time lapse 3 dimensional (4D) photographic images of a real building and documentation associated with design and construct activities, the environment was trialled across 3 construction management courses. The environment was used as a lecture tool and/or an assessment instrument involving group or individual tasks. Interview and questionnaire feedback was obtained in relation to the capacity of the environment as a demonstration tool and upon 4 critical areas: graphical appearance, usability of the environment, degree to which the environment and course activities enhance discipline understanding, and the contribution towards enhanced learning and skill development. Initial results indicate that the environment provided a crucial platform to assist with explanation of on-site processes and assemblies. Student participants further commented on the ability of the environment to increase understanding of construction activities in terms of contextualising theoretical material and assisting with problem solving skills.