Comparing the Use of Virtual Models vs. Fieldwork in Developing Geomatics Skills in Undergraduate Engineering Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Undergraduate students enrolled in Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Urban Planning (CAU) must develop competencies in Geomatics and Topography (G&T) as part of their learning process. During this time, theoretical concepts are traditionally taught with field practice using specialized tools such as a theodolite, laser level, and total station. Due to the environmental restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional field practice (TFP) was suspended, preventing access to equipment and study areas. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VR), have been explored in the last decade for educational purposes. This paper studies the benefits of using these tools for developing G&T skills. This research aimed to assess students' learning outcomes using a traditional G&T teaching method and a new methodology based on Virtual Field Practice (VFP) for CAU students. The methodology provides a virtual study area for the CAU student by integrating point clouds derived from photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning. It also assesses their learning results and compares them against a control group using a validated instrument. Findings suggest continuing with fieldwork for a greater understanding and correct application of G&T concepts by students, and using virtual models as an efficient way to complement the acquisition of spatial information in the teaching-learning process. Until the publication of this article, we found no evidence in the literature at the undergraduate level of applying exercises like those proposed. © 2023 IEEE.

An infrastructure 3D-lab based on virtual visits at Call of Duty Warzone to Develop Student's Competencies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The didactic methods in the teaching of Engineering, Architecture, and Construction (EAC) are changing. The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Virtual Reality (VR), and if we add to this a video game such as Call of Duty: Warzone (CoD: WZ) for educational purposes, the benefits of this could be explored. Until now, the advantages of BIM, VR, and video games have been studied separately, however, there is no evidence of an approach that implements all three technologies. The research in this study consists of the development of a methodology for the implementation of a user-friendly application of the Infra-3D-Lab software with specific pedagogical objectives for EAC education. This study based on the development of high-tech educational tools aims to: 1) make more effective use of learning hours through playful interaction with BIM, VR, and CoD: WZ models;2) improve skills and concepts that are difficult to explain theoretically and 3) evaluate the functionality of the learning environment. The implementation of this technological tool is developed in the context of EAC's national higher education programs at a university in Mexico. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using a remote collaborative tool Infra-3D-Lab as a teaching method for EAC. Additionally, this study shows that the learning experience can be enhanced using other technology tools such as Unreal Engine and Revit. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2022.

A hydraulic 3D-lab based on virtual Gora dam visits at Call of Duty Warzone to Develop Student's Competencies During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The experience of going through a pandemic like Covid-19 forced many sectors of the economy to evolve, including education, specifically higher education. Teaching methods in Engineering, Architecture, and Construction (IAC) adopted tools, which had been developed primarily for industry, to adapt them to teach. These tools have been added to the already existing Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and in this study, they are used as didactic teaching techniques. These tools are Building Information Modeling (BIM), Virtual Reality (VR), and the video game (VG) Call of Duty: Warzone (CoD: Wz). Some investigations have studied the scope that the use of BIM, VR, and video games can have in teaching separately. However, no research so far has been found that unites the three tools in a single methodology. This study aims to show the methodology and its results when implementing the Hydraulic 3D Lab (Hydr3D-Lab) tool for teaching in IAC. As will be explained later, in the procedure of implementing the methodology, the use of BIM, VR, and CoD: Wz software was promoted during teaching hours to improve skills and help students understand concepts that are difficult to comprehend and teach theoretically. The implementation of this technological tool was developed in the context of IAC's national higher education programs at a university in Mexico. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of using the collaborative tool Hydr-3D-Lab as a teaching method for IAC. Additionally, this study proves that the learning experience can be enhanced using other technology tools such as Unreal Engine and Revit. © 2022 IEEE.