2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Artificial Intelligence in Construction Education: Perspectives from Practitioners, Faculty and Students

Presented at CONST 1 - AI Foundations in Construction Education: Literacy, Practice, and Access

The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by advancements in technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) [1]. AI has emerged as a transformative force that enhances efficiency, safety, productivity, and sustainability while reshaping traditional practices across various phases of construction, including project planning, design, site management, and safety [2]. Despite this potential, the construction sector has historically lagged in technological adoption, making the development of AI literacy among future professionals increasingly vital [3].

The purpose of this study is to identify current uses of AI in the construction industry and determine industry expectations for AI competencies among entry-level professionals with the intent of using this knowledge to develop improved training. This paper will describe findings from two types of data collection. First, we surveyed undergraduate construction management students to understand their perspectives on the use of AI in construction education. Second, we conducted interviews with educators and industry professionals focusing on current AI applications, perceived skills gaps, and recommendations for AI literacy in construction education.

The study analyzes interviews and surveys with thematic qualitative analysis and descriptive statistics to identify common themes and connect them to approaches, misunderstandings, and difficulties in incorporating AI into construction education. The analysis shows that, on average, students rated their understanding of general concepts of AI, AI tools, and their application in construction management at 2.5 out of 5, and 70% of the students believed that they would continue making use of AI tools after their studies. Educators highlighted that incorporating problem-based learning with generative AI tools is highly important for strengthening students’ critical thinking skills and helping them adapt to the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Additionally, industry professionals emphasized the need for students to have a clear understanding of AI capabilities, apply AI appropriately within context, and remain aware of the ethical considerations associated with its use.

This study can help establish a foundational framework to explore further how artificial intelligence is understood and integrated into construction education. It also provides insights for developing more adaptive teaching strategies that prepare future construction professionals for technology-driven industry demands.

Authors

Ms. Binita Acharya Colorado State University [biography]

Binita is a student at Colorado State University pursuing her master's degree in Construction Management.
Dr. Mehmet Egemen Ozbek [biography]

Dr. Mehmet E. Ozbek is a professor and the holder of the Joseph Phelps Endowed Chair in the Department of Construction Management at Colorado State University (CSU). He also has a courtesy appointment in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. He is an affiliated faculty of the Center for Sustainable and Intelligent Transportation Systems as well as the School of Global Environmental Sustainability at CSU. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a focus on Construction Engineering and Management. Dr. Ozbek’s research areas include infrastructure asset management, multi-criteria decision-making, sustainable infrastructure, and construction contracts. He has received grant funding from Federal, state, and private entities; and he has published extensively to disseminate his research in peer-reviewed publications as well as delivering presentations and keynote addresses at international conferences. He received multiple teaching awards at the university and national level, including an award voted by the students in his department. In addition to serving on national committees and boards related to construction and infrastructure, he serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) International Journal of Construction Education & Research, an associate editor for Transportation Research Record, and a specialty editor for the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Journal of Construction Engineering and Management. Dr. Ozbek also serves as a reviewer for numerous journals and conference proceedings. Dr. Ozbek has taught courses at the undergraduate and graduate programs, including a service-learning course, a study-abroad course, and a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) course at CSU. He also taught construction engineering and management courses as a visiting faculty for the summer sessions within the Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering Department in the University of Colorado at Boulder. At the international level, he served as the overseas external adviser for the Construction Program at the University of Technology, Jamaica. Dr. Ozbek is the faculty advisor for the Construction Management Association of America Student Chapter at Colorado State University and served as the faculty coach for the ASC Competition Commercial Team and the Integrated Project Team. He also held an administrative position as the Acting and Interim Head of the Department of Construction Management at CSU from 2018 to 2020.
Dr. Rebecca A Atadero P.E. Colorado State University [biography]

Rebecca Atadero is a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Colorado State University, specializing in structural engineering. She conducts research on the inspection, management and renewal of existing structures, social equity in civil engineering work, and diversity, equity and inclusion in engineering education.

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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