Use of Virtual Reality in Construction Higher Education in the US

Abstract

This study presents the state of Virtual Reality (VR) utilization by construction educators in the US. To gain insight into how educators use VR, a survey was conducted of educators affiliated with the Associated Schools of Construction. Survey responses indicated varying levels of familiarity with VR technology, with the majority exhibited diverse engagement levels, ranging from occasional to frequent use, highlighting VR's adaptability in construction education. The study delved into specific teaching areas where VR was employed, revealing "Methods, materials, and equipment for construction" as the most common application, with a quarter of participants using VR for this purpose. "Construction safety" closely followed, underlining its significance in safety education. In terms of technology and hardware, Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) were the preferred choice, with Hololens being the most popular hardware among HMDs. These findings offer practical guidance for educators and program administrators seeking to maximize VR's role in construction education.