Design and Assessment of a Mobile Augmented Reality-Based Information Delivery Tool for Construction and Civil Engineering Curriculum

Abstract

The goal of the research reported in this paper is to design and systematically assess the effectiveness of a collaborative contextaware mobile augmented reality tool (CAM-ART) in construction and civil engineering curriculum. To achieve this goal, an augmented reality (AR)-based information delivery tool, CAM-ART, was implemented in classroom-scale experiments to enhance traditional lecture-based instruction and information delivery methods. In the research reported in this paper, the contents of an ordinary textbook were enhanced using computer-generated three-dimensional (3D) objects and other virtual multimedia (e.g., sound, video, and graphs), and delivered to students through an AR application running on their smartphones or tablet computers. The sample consisted of construction and civil engineering students, who were randomly assigned to Group A (control group) and Group B (test group). The designed learning tool was tested in a collaborative and interactive environment, preperformance and postperformance data was collected, and student perception of using the AR-based tool was elicited through a feedback questionnaire. Data analysis showed that CAM-ART had a measurable and positive impact on students' learning both in short-term and long-term. Moreover, results of the feedback questionnaire indicated that students found CAM-ART to be an interesting, helpful, and motivational approach in the classroom that helped them gain more in-depth and long-lasting knowledge beyond what is normally expected from traditional lecture-based teaching methods.

Data acquisition technologies for construction progress tracking

“…Examples of software utilized in AR include 3D Studio Max and BIMs [98]. AR application areas can be classified as visualization or simulation, communication or collaboration, information modeling, information access or evaluation, and safety or inspection [99]. AR has been used for instance in municipal infrastructure [100], residential and commercial [101,102], highway [103,104], and industrial projects [105].…”

Low Cost Augmented Reality Framework for Construction Applications

“…Enhancing a text book with 3D and multimedia virtual information by designing a collaborative Context Aware Mobile Augmented Reality Tool (CAM-ART) in construction and civil engineering curriculum [11]. A group of students were tested on using this CAM-ART by loading an AR application in their smartphones and tablet computers.…”

Assessing the Effectiveness of Augmented Reality on the Spatial Skills of Postsecondary Construction Management Students in the U.S.

“…When deploying new technology in the classroom, will its use equate to a better and more active learning experience [28]? For this facet of pedagogy to be measured in this study a NASA Task Load Index (TLX) survey was administered for the purpose of measuring the student's perceived effort on six independent sub-scales.…”

“…In fact, some postsecondary CM students are already aware of AR and have good knowledge about the terms surrounding this technology. However, according to Shirazi & Behzadan [28] they are unable to relate the use of these tools to their own learning experience and therefore, rely on universities and schools to make this connection. Therefore, the researcher decided that the use of a mobile device would be fitting for this study because students are 1.)…”