Innovative construction training: introducing information communication technology into the curriculum

Abstract

It is evident that many colleges are seeking to use information communication technology (ICT) as a way of transforming the teaching and learning process and, as a consequence, adding value or increasing efficiency outcomes. Whilst to some construction might not seem the most verdant curricular terrain for the introduction of ICT, it has been pointed out by Evans (2000) that there is an increasing need within this sector of the economy to grasp the benefits of the new technology – not only in terms of what might be regarded as the more ‘traditional’ applications of design and development but also in the development of ‘hands on’ skills. With this in mind and using funding from the European Social Fund (ESF), Stourbridge College in the West Midlands, United Kingdom set out to explore the ways in which ICT can play a meaningful part in supporting construction skills development through the creation of an Advanced Technology Centre (ATC). Keen to take a systematic approach the college appointed a project researcher to assist in identifying the barriers and opportunities associated with the introduction of ICT into the construction curriculum. This report forms part of an ongoing evaluation by the researcher. It incorporates changes made by the college in response to earlier feedback from the researcher. In summary it is argued that ICT does have the potential to be both cost effective and efficient in providing ‘state of the art’ training to the construction industry, thereby facilitating the IT up skilling of its customers. However, amidst all the ICT excitement, the human dimension has proved to be the pivotal ingredient for the success of the venture, both in its embryonic stages and in the realisation of the dream.