Research Topic 10: Teaching Data Sensing Skills and Computational Thinking through Virtual Reality (VR)

Research Description

The construction industry, a major economic sector in the U.S. contributing 4.1% to GDP, faces ongoing challenges like labor shortages, stagnant productivity, and safety concerns. In response, the industry is increasingly adopting data sensing technologies such as robodog, robotic total stations, drones, wearable devices, and GPS to enhance project planning, workforce safety, productivity, sustainability, and quality. These technologies are reshaping construction, driving a need for skilled professionals capable of transforming sensor data into actionable insights. Currently, 61% of U.S. construction firms use these technologies, with 32% planning to adopt them within the next decade. This shift highlights the need to prepare future engineers with the understanding of data sensing technologies and to raise K-12 student awareness of STEM careers involving data sensing and computational thinking. In this research, we aim to teach middle and high school students about data sensing technologies using virtual reality (VR), one of the most effective platforms for learning and training. Through this immersive VR system, we will assess students’ computational thinking skills as they engage with data-sensing concepts. The VR environment will enhance knowledge retention, helping students understand when and how to apply data-sensing technology. Using an interactive, block-based approach, students will learn to construct algorithms to complete specific tasks, promoting decision-making and computational thinking skills essential for future STEM careers.

REU Research Plan:

REU students will undertake a project focused on designing, executing, and analyzing experiments using a VR-based tool to teach data sensing and computational thinking skills. The project will begin with a literature review to explore VR applications in education, particularly in data analysis and computational thinking. Guided by graduate mentors, students will conduct experiments using the developed VR tool, gathering data on participant engagement, knowledge retention, and computational thinking skills. After collecting and analyzing this data, especially regarding computational thinking development, students will make targeted improvements to the VR environment based on their findings. This research will culminate in a conference paper, with the REU student as the lead author, detailing their methodology, findings, and contributions, which will be submitted to an international conference.

Keywords: Virtual Reality, Education, Data Sensing, Immersive Learning, K-12.

Required Skills: Basic understanding of VR, Research Background, Analysis software (SPSS etc.)

Undergraduate Degrees: Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Construction Science/Management, Industrial Engineering.

Faculty Advisors: Dr. Chukwuma Nnaji, Dr. Gilles Albeaino