2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Pedagogical Proposal for the Use of Technologies for Collaborative Work of Construction Management Students.

This study explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance collaborative skills among students in architecture, engineering, and construction (AECO) disciplines. As the AECO industry increasingly relies on collaborative workflows and digital tools, it is essential for future professionals to develop the ability to work in teams while using advanced technologies. The project proposes a pedagogical module that integrates AI tools, such as Hypar, TesFit, and ChatGPT, to facilitate teamwork among construction management students. These tools allow students to design preliminary projects, generate multiple design alternatives, and ensure compliance with building regulations through real-time collaboration. The study was conducted in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. It involves 43 students from 2 engineering courses and 1 architecture course. Groups assigned various roles using these AI tools to collaboratively design buildings, focusing on elements such as green spaces, building geometry, façades, and circulation areas. ChatGPT is used to verify that the designs comply with local construction standards. Throughout the project, regular discussions are held to address challenges, review progress, and promote a professional, collaborative environment. Then, researchers conducted an open survey to gather students' perceptions of the advantages and drawbacks for collaboration learning using such tools., like over-reliance on visual aids. By simulating real-world scenarios where team members must interact and refine ideas through digital platforms, this approach prepares students for the demands of the modern AECO industry. The study aims to assess how AI tools can enhance both technical and collaborative skills, fostering a deeper understanding of teamwork in the design and construction process. The results will offer valuable insights into integrating AI technologies in education to improve collaborative learning in the AECO sector, with implications for both research and practice.

Authors

Ms. Mishel Odalis Camargo Universidad San Francisco de Quito [biography]

Mishel Odalis Camargo is currently pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). Her academic and professional interests focus on sustainable practices in engineering and construction. She is currently completing an internship in the Department of Social Responsibility and Community Relations at EP PETROECUADOR, where she supports the development of community infrastructure projects.
Dr. MiguelAndres Andres Guerra P.E. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7496-3753 Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ [biography]

MiguelAndres is an Associate Professor in the Polytechnic College of Science and Engineering and the Director of the Masters in Management of Construction and Real Estate Companies MDI at Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from USFQ, a M.Sc. in Civil Engineering in Construction Engineering and Project Management from Iowa State University, a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with emphasis in Sustainable Construction from Virginia Tech, and two Graduate Certificates from Virginia Tech in Engineering Education and Future Professoriate and from USFQ in Structures for Construction Professionals. MiguelAndres’s research includes Architectural and Civil Engineering Project Management, Sustainable and Resilient Urban Infrastructure, and the development of engineers who not only have strong technical and practical knowledge but the social awareness and agency to address global humanitarian, environmental, and social justice challenges. For him, social justice is a concept that should always be involved in discussions on infrastructure. Related to STEM education, Miguel Andres develops disruptive pedagogies for STEM courses as a tool for innovation, and assessing engineering students’ agency to address climate change. Currently, MiguelAndres is working on a framework to support and conduct undergraduate research.
Ignacio Guerra P. [biography]

Ignacio is a part-time professor of Construction in the College of Architecture and Interior Design CADI at Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ. Ignacio is an architect from UCE and gained his MBA with emphasis in sustainability from the UCV. Ignacio’s interests are in the areas of sustainable architecture and construction, new pedagogies for architecture studies and development. Ignacio is passionate to bring his experience in the construction industry into the classroom.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025