David Comiskey

Construct Online: Using Video and

Screencasting to bring the Construction Site

into the Classroom

David ComiskeyLecturer in Architectural TechnologyUniversity of Ulster

Introduction

The aim of the project was to try and provide the students with a realistic context for their studies

50% of the class had never been on a construction site before joining the course and were not aware of what some of the main construction materials looked like.

Production Process

Video Capture

Editing

Hosting

Camtasia Studio

Webpage

Links to completed videos

Links to completed quiz

The site also contains general information on the construction methods used in the building and has links to other useful websites.

Equipment

CX115E HD Video Camera

Wide Conversion Lens

Manfrotto Tripod

Camtasia Studio

Microphone

Feedback

Module ResultsExam results for the Architectural Technology A Module for the 2010/11 academic year improved.

In 2009/10 26% of students sitting the Architectural Technology A exam received a mark of 35 or lower.

In 2010/11 this percentage was reduced to 3%.

The average mark for the module also improved. This, coupled with the positive feedback from both students and academics indicates that this resource should prove beneficial for students on most Built Environment related courses.

DisseminationPaper & Presentation at the World Conference in Educational Multimedia (ED-MEDIA) in Lisbon, Portugal.

Article for AT Magazine ( distributed to 12,000 Architectural Technologists, Technicians, Architects, Academics and Industry Professionals)

CHEP Journal Article.

E-learning conference 2012.

JEBE/Transactions Journal Article.

Conclusion“We care more about the parts and less about the entire. We are into snippets and smidgens and clips and tweets”

Adam Thierer, Senior Research Fellow at George Mason University

Students have requested that screencasting be used in other modules

“Very helpful videos, they are useful in the fact that students can now see what actually happens on site and relate theory to the practical element of construction.”

“I thought the videos were very helpful. They gave a good overview of all that happens on construction sites. It is good that they are available whenever I need them and on my phone too.”

QUESTIONS