Construction education at the University of South Australia has taken a significant leap forward with the introduction of gamified learning experiences for students. These innovative virtual environments allow students to immerse themselves in simulated building sites, providing a safe and accessible way to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application.
Through the development of the SiteSeer program, architecture and construction students can now explore the intricacies of construction sites in a realistic digital setting, akin to navigating a video game. This platform enables students to understand the transition from two-dimensional plans to three-dimensional structures, effectively bridging the gap between design concepts and tangible construction processes.
Dr. Sean Pickersgill, a Senior Lecturer in Architecture at UniSA, highlights the origins of this gamified approach, which emerged from the logistical challenges faced by educators in organizing physical site visits for students. Coordinating such visits for an entire class poses significant hurdles, including aligning site schedules with academic timelines and ensuring student safety and equal learning opportunities.
In response to these complexities, UniSA academics developed the original digital platform, OnSite, in 2015, offering students a glimpse into the various stages of construction processes. Over the years, this initiative evolved into SiteSeer, a more comprehensive model featuring over 70 distinct construction phases of a double-storey studio structure.
The enhanced version of SiteSeer, introduced in 2024, offers students an even more immersive experience with detailed elements like vegetation, tools, and bins, adding authenticity to the simulation. This evolution was supported by the Venture Catalyst acceleration program, underscoring UniSA’s commitment to innovation and industry collaboration.
By providing students with a virtual apprenticeship-like experience, SiteSeer equips them with essential foundational knowledge in construction and architecture. Dr. Pickersgill emphasizes the importance of this firsthand exposure, which is often challenging to deliver within the constraints of traditional academic programs.
As education continues to embrace digital transformation, gamified learning platforms like SiteSeer are at the forefront of revolutionizing how students engage with complex subjects. These innovative tools not only enhance learning outcomes but also address practical limitations associated with traditional teaching methods.
UniSA’s pioneering approach to gamified learning sets a new standard for educational practices in the digital age, offering students a dynamic and interactive way to explore real-world scenarios in a controlled and engaging environment. Through initiatives like SiteSeer, the university is shaping the future of construction education by leveraging technology to deliver immersive and effective learning experiences.
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