RSCni Awards presentation

1. University of Ulster
Construct Online - Using Technology to
bring the Construction Site into the
Classroom.
Innovation in e-Learning Awards
25th April 2012
David Comiskey & Kenny McCartan

2. Context.....
• Providing a realistic context for the module
• Range on entry routes onto the course
• Students with no previous knowledge of
construction
“Construction is an intrinsically visual discipline” (Menser, 2001)

3. Production Process – Video Capture

4. Production Process – Equipment
CX115E HD Video Camera
Wide Conversion Lens
Manfrotto Tripod
Camtasia Studio
Microphone

5. Production Process – Editing

6. Overview
• Each video lasts between 5 and 10 minutes
• Integration of 2D and 3D drawings
• Creation of quizzes to help promote interaction
• Videos made available in various formats allowing
content to be viewed on smartphone's
“The most effective and stimulating way
architecture and building students can learn about
changing construction techniques is to visit and
view buildings being constructed” (O'Leary, 1997)

7. Production Process – Hosting

9. Feedback.....
100% of students either agreed or strongly agreed that the videos helped their
understanding of building detailing in general.
88% of students either agreed or strongly agreed that the videos helped their
understanding of the module. The remaining 12% were undecided.
100% of the class either agreed or strongly agreed that seeing the construction
process in this format was a better learning resource than verbal accounts in
class or referring to textbooks.
100% of students stated that their interest in class increased when looking at live
projects.
94% stated that they would use the videos as a revision aid.

10. Feedback.....
• Increased attendance
• Improved examination results
• Improved module satisfaction
Student Comments.....
“I found these videos very helpful, as I am having a bit of trouble with drawing
details. I enjoyed watching the Building Control submission, and the on goings of
the site as well. They did help me visualise what we talked about in class, I found
that useful to see what everything looks like on site.”
“I thought the videos were very helpful. They give a good overview of foundations
and all that happens. It is good that they are available whenever I need them and
on my phone too.”

11. Comments.....
"The videos are a very innovative way of bringing theory into practice and
enabling students to visualise the complexity of construction from design to
completion. The quizzes also enable both tutor and student to evaluate learning.“
Colin Orr – President of CIAT and Senior Lecturer University of Wolverhampton
“Construction is a notoriously difficult area for students to understand through a
lecture format since they gain no real sense of the size, weight or actual process
involved. Site visits are a good learning tool but access to sites is increasingly
difficult due to health and safety issues and one would need to find the right type
of construction at the right phase for it to be truly beneficial. Add those first two
issues to the electronic media expectations of students today and you can
understand how important and effective the construction films David Comiskey
has made are to educating this generation.”
Professor Steven Spier – University of Ulster

12. Dissemination.....
Questions?