The Future of Construction Education: Integrating Artificial Intelligence Tools in Cost Estimation Courses

9 pages•Published: May 26, 2024

Dishita Shah, Sai Vikas Reddy Rajavolu, Kenneth Sullivan, Karan Shah, Hemanth Kumar Ummadisetti, Brian Lines, Ibilola Ogundare, Jake Smithwick and Nneka Ubi

Abstract

In the evolving landscape of construction management education, the integration of technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), is reshaping traditional teaching methodologies. This study explores the effectiveness of AI-enabled and traditional digital construction cost estimation software in enhancing learning outcomes for 3rd-year undergraduate construction management students. We compare two software tools, Kreo, which utilizes AI for automated quantity takeoff, and On-Screen Takeoff (OST), a digital estimation software, to examine their impacts on students' learning efficiency and accuracy in cost estimation. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research involved practical assignments using both tools, followed by a survey to gather students' feedback on their experiences. Key metrics such as time taken to complete assignments and precision of estimations were analyzed. The results indicated a notable difference in time efficiency and user preference between the two software, with implications for integrating AI tools in construction management curricula. The study also highlights the challenges students face, primarily due to their unfamiliarity with the software and the limitations of AI in processing outdated drawings. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on the role of AI in educational settings, suggesting a need for curriculum adaptations to include such innovative technologies. The study's insights are vital for educators and curriculum developers aiming to equip future construction professionals with relevant technological competencies.

Keyphrases: artificial intelligence, construction management education, cost estimation, educational technology

In: Tom Leathem, Wes Collins and Anthony Perrenoud (editors). Proceedings of 60th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference, vol 5, pages 276-284.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/zp99
	https://doi.org/10.29007/g69w

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2024:Future_Construction_Education_Integrating,
  author    = {Dishita Shah and Sai Vikas Reddy Rajavolu and Kenneth Sullivan and Karan Shah and Hemanth Kumar Ummadisetti and Brian Lines and Ibilola Ogundare and Jake Smithwick and Nneka Ubi},
  title     = {The Future of Construction Education: Integrating Artificial Intelligence Tools in Cost Estimation Courses},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of 60th Annual Associated Schools of Construction International Conference},
  editor    = {Tom Leathem and Wes Collins and Anthony Perrenoud},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {5},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/zp99},
  doi       = {10.29007/g69w},
  pages     = {276-284},
  year      = {2024}}

Download PDF Open PDF in browser