A Virtual World Based Construction Defect Game for Interactive and Experiential Learning

Abstract

In the construction process, defects occur inevitably and repeatedly, making significant contributions to cost overruns and time delays. Many studies have focused on quality education to reduce the reoccurrence of defects. So far, most of them have emphasized the necessity of teaching about defects in construction classes without considering how to take advantage of new technologies such as virtual worlds in order to improve the education process. In recent years, Virtual World (VW) has been successfully applied as a pedagogical tool in the medical field, with applications in nursing training, healthcare education, and other areas. The concept of VW is still new and there are few studies on the topic in the construction discipline. With this regard, this study proposes an online 3D VW platform, which allows students to participate in role-playing, dialogic learning, and social interaction for construction defect education. In this approach, a construction defect game-based learning system using VW platform is developed. The system comprises of the following three modules: (1) A Construction Defect Learning Module (CDL) which delivers lecture based quality information within the virtual environment to teach students about common defects and their prevention methods; (2) A Defect Inspection Game Module (DIG) where students identify and correct defects in a virtual construction site; (3) A Construction Activity Game Module (CAG) which allows students to engage in construction activities within the virtual environment and recognize actions which may lead to defects. The game system is tested with real scenarios in order to address the system's potentials and limitations. The study emphasizes the advantages and benefits of VW that can provide students with the real construction defect experience through learning by doing. Finally, this paper discusses the extensibility of the system to training program for workers in advance of working in construction site.