Integration of Construction Mobile Technologies into Construction Management Curriculum: A Case Study

Abstract

Construction management education programs must endeavor to provide students with instruction on cutting edge technologies to ensure that these students are prepared for entry level positions into the construction industry today. The use of mobile technology is rapidly growing throughout the United States design and construction industry. Based on a review of accredited programs in the United States, construction management students receive little exposure to the vast amount of mobile technologies used in industry. This paper provides a framework for how the McWhorter School of Building Science at Auburn University proposes to integrate mobile technology into the construction management curriculum. A search and filter process of the Apple™ iTunes App Store was completed to discern which apps were most applicable to construction management. The learning objectives for professional program core construction management courses taught in the McWhorter School of Building Science were reviewed and compiled. App capabilities were analyzed and tied to the appropriate course learning objectives. The conclusions of the analysis showed that there is vast opportunity to integrate mobile technologies into construction management curricula. Future research includes the development of course specific exercises to assess the improvement of student learning through use of mobile technologies, as well as how this framework could extend beyond the programs in the United States into other countries.