Using BIM as a collaborative platform to improve e-learning in civil engineering

Due to the advancements in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in university education, e-learning has become an essential part of Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) education programs. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an ICT that can be used as a powerful didactic method approach to improve e-learning outcomes. A collaborative BIM tool was implemented in a project design class in a civil engineering course. This study aims to analyze the way BIM technology supported resource sharing within and across project groups, reinforced the forms of group collaboration, and improved e-learning outcomes. This study was developed under the framework of the new educational model Tec 21 in the Tecnologico de Monterrey university system in Mexico. This study was evaluated using both qualitative (e.g., pyramid discussion) and quantitative methods (e.g., survey). The results showed that BIM helped to improve communication in the group, group sharing of resources, and supported different kinds of group collaboration. The collaborative BIM tool provided a location-independent central virtual workspace, whereas the BIM software provided enough individual capability and resources for accurate building modeling. The paper discusses the importance of embedding supportive ICTs, such as BIM, to improve e-learning in civil engineering courses, as well as the limitations and needs in this field.