An Assessment Tool for Using Videos and Rich Media in Construction Management Curriculum - A Case Study

Abstract

The use of rich media, especially videos and illustrative examples, in curriculum is becoming increasingly prevalent in certain areas of study due to its potential positive impacts on the learning environment. In the construction management curriculum, videos and rich media have the potential to benefit students and instructors if properly implemented. However, there are few guidelines or examples of how to determine what media is appropriate, how to utilize the media for a particular construction management subject, and how to assess their effectiveness in achieving instructional goals. Instructors are commonly led to believe that they must embrace the technology prior to seeing how to best position it in their classroom. This type of approach can lead to improper utilization of media, instructor frustration, dissatisfaction, and low learner retention of concepts. The use of rich media in the construction management curriculum is discussed and reviewed. An assessment tool is developed for the appropriateness, design, utilization, and refinement of this media in achieving instructional goals, taking inspiration from the prime leaders in the field of Educational Technology and Instructional Design, to allow instructors in construction management to determine the best uses for rich media in their curriculum. The assessment tool was tested as a case study on a construction management course in applied statics. The tool was determined to aid instructors in the proper utilization of media, decrease instructor frustration with rich media, increase overall satisfaction, and optimize time. Future analysis will be carried out on how the use of rich media impacts learning objectives and outcomes in the construction management curriculum.