PREVIEW: Of Using Distributed Virtual Reality in Construction Scheduling Education
Abstract: Hardware and Software needed to implement Distributed Virtual Reality (DVR) environments as a teaching tool in the universities has developed to the point where it is possible to provide students with hands-on learning experiences without the expense and safety issues associated with real life experiences. Furthermore, today’s students use technology equivalent to DVR when they play with the more popular Internet accessible console and computer games, so they are comfortable with it. Unfortunately, many educational institutions do not utilize DVR despite its capabilities and pedagogical potential. Specifically, many engineering and construction classes still use 2D drawings (blue prints) and Gantt/bar charts to discuss construction scheduling. The purpose of this paper is to provide a preview of an ongoing project to develop a prototype using DVR environments to enhance construction scheduling learning experience.