2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is one of the most versatile and promising engineering technologies, changing engineering practices and pedagogical strategy from 2D Computer-Aided Design to 3D visualization. BIM has been rapidly adopted in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry. BIM enables industry professionals to create and share comprehensive engineering information, fostering multidisciplinary communications and collaborations. Higher education institutions of AECO disciplines have integrated BIM education into their programs to satisfy the increasing needs of industry for BIM competencies. However, BIM education has not highlighted improving students’ communication skills as one of the essential BIM competencies required by the industry. Therefore, there is a need to identify how BIM education can impact students’ communication and enhance their communication skills.
The objective of this research is to investigate the current practices of BIM education for improving students’ communication skills. This study conducted a comprehensive literature review and a case study in the ‘Building Information Modeling (BIM) (CMT 7030)’ course to examine students’ in-depth communication experiences. It was found that the visualization and worksharing techniques of BIM enabled students to interact more frequently, improve the quality and efficiency of their communications, and practice communication skills in a professional manner using technical terminology. The findings of this research provide some noteworthy suggestions for educators and instructors to reinforce the effectiveness of BIM education in improving students’ communication skills.