ABSTRACT
Historical and continuing concerns in regard to the teaching of construction technology have led to development of a computer aided learning resource. The teaching and learning issues specifically addressed by the project include: enhancement of deep learning opportunities and academic support for an increasingly diverse student profile in gender, social, cultural and prior learning terms; offering innovative, flexible, integrated and rigorous learning experiences based on best practice; and improvement of graduate outcomes, satisfaction and employability.
Increasing student numbers and pressures on resources mean that incentives for students to synthesise and integrate their knowledge base are becoming more difficult to achieve using traditional staff intensive studio based teaching methods. This project will largely separate the task of teaching base skills and knowledge from the task of achieving synthesis in application within reduced contact times. It therefore offers increases in teaching effectiveness and cost efficiency.
The modules provide structured self-paced, interactive learning environments for the students’ first encounters with construction materials and the application of construction technology. User friendly interaction gives contextual information and engages students in simulated real world problem solving scenarios. Critical features are feedback loops which confirm understanding of principles and processes.
