2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

AI-Augmented Scenario-Based Learning: An Exploratory Study of Human–AI Collaboration Modes in Engineering Education

Presented at CONST 2 - Generative AI and ChatGPT: New Partners in Construction Learning

Preparing future construction engineers to engage critically and responsibly with artificial intelligence (AI) systems is increasingly essential as digital technologies reshape professional engineering practice. This paper presents the design and initial classroom implementation of a multimedia-based interactive platform developed using the open-source workflow automation tool n8n. The platform simulates realistic infrastructure inspection scenarios and enables structured comparison of three human–AI collaboration modes: human-only decision-making, AI-assisted (collaborative), and AI-guided (directive) interaction. Grounded in scenario-based learning and reflective instructional design, the system integrates short video clips, contextual inspection data, structured decision prompts, and guided reflection questions to immerse students in authentic, context-rich engineering tasks. The instructional objective is to help students critically evaluate AI-generated recommendations, assess decision confidence, and reflect on the appropriate allocation of authority between human judgment and algorithmic support.

The platform was deployed across multiple undergraduate construction engineering courses. Students completed comparable inspection tasks under each collaboration mode, enabling exploratory comparison of performance, confidence, and preference patterns. Descriptive results indicate meaningful differences in how students perceive and engage with AI across modes, particularly regarding autonomy and support. This paper contributes a modular implementation framework and structured instructional model for responsibly integrating AI collaboration paradigms into engineering curricula.

Authors

Dr. Chenxi Yuan http://orcid.org/https://0000-0002-0562-7529 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville [biography]

Chenxi Yuan is an associate professor in the Department of Construction, School of Engineering, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He manages the Transparent Civil Infrastructure System Lab (T-CIS), which integrates sensing, informatics, visualization, and artificial intelligence to support the measurement, interpretation, and decision-making processes associated with construction objects, underground utilities, and the above-ground built environment. His recent research and teaching focus on human–AI collaborative workflows, exploring how artificial intelligence can augment human judgment in construction inspection, digital modeling, and data-driven project decision-making. He adopts a teacher-scholar model by directly incorporating his research outcomes into classroom instruction, preparing students with up-to-date construction technologies, analytical tools, and management skills.
Chenxi obtained his bachelor of Mechanics Engineering from Central South University, China in 2007 and his Master of Civil Engineering from Tongji University, China in 2010. After graduation, he worked at ARUP consultant company as an assistant engineer for two years. Then he continued his PhD study and obtained his doctorate in Civil Engineering at Purdue University in 2018. In Summer 2022, he received a faculty residency fellowship and worked for McCarthy Construction Company’s Virtual Design and Construction group to enhance his classroom skills.
At T-CIS Lab, our mission is to address the pressing challenges faced by civil infrastructure in teaching and research through developing, implementing and sharing the state-of-the-art solutions. We strive to create a thriving community of researchers, engineers (current and future), and visionaries who collaborate to readily provide transparent civil infrastructure system (CIS) information.
Core Values:
1. Collaboration: We foster a collaborative environment that encourages cross-disciplinary partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange and accelerating the pace of discovery.
2. Social Impact: Our lab is dedicated to improving the lives of people around the world by creating infrastructure systems that promote social equity, accessibility, and community well-being.
3. Sustainability: We are committed to promoting sustainable practices throughout the life cycle of civil infrastructure. Our solutions focus on reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and enhancing long-term viability.
4. Transparent Governance and Policy: Examining governance models and policy frameworks that promote transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in civil infrastructure planning and management.
Abhishek Khatiwada Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 21, 2026, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 24, 2026

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