Project Description
Immersive Learning Environments: A 3D Virtual Library for AEC Education
Project Lead
Dr Aidan Ware (aidan.ware@mtu.ie)
Project Status
- In Progress
Project Lead Home Department
- MTU Cork – Civil Structural & Environmental Engineering
Alignment to HEA and NFETLHE SATLE 2023-24 Themes
- Digital Transformation in the Tertiary Sector
Alignment to MTU Strategy Themes
- Learner Education & Experience
- People & Community
- Global Outlook
Project Description
This project aims to develop a reusable digital library of immersive virtual construction sites using 3D scanning and 360-degree video technology. The library will provide guided, narrated tours and interactive multimedia hotspots to enhance learning in construction, engineering, and architecture. It supports problem-based and interdisciplinary learning, promotes accessibility for remote or physically limited students, and aligns with MTU’s strategic goals. Building on previous projects, it involves collaboration with industry partners, digital content creation, piloting in relevant courses, and dissemination through open educational platforms with training materials to encourage broad adoption.
What is the anticipated impact of this project?
This project will create a library of immersive virtual construction site resources featuring expert-guided tours and interactive multimedia, accessible via MTU and open learning platforms. It enhances student access to real-world industry contexts, supports digital literacy, and promotes independent, problem-based learning, especially benefiting construction, engineering, and architecture students. Initially, 100-150 learners will engage with the resources, with growth expected as adoption expands. Educators gain curriculum-aligned, flexible teaching tools that reduce the need for physical site visits while maintaining experiential learning quality. The project also strengthens academic-industry links, fosters staff-student collaboration, and advances innovation and inclusion in teaching at MTU and beyond.
HOW Will the outputs of this project be DISSEMINATED?
Key outputs of this project include a digital library of immersive virtual construction site visits with expert-guided tours, multimedia-enhanced 360° resources, case studies, reflective guides, and potential graduate interviews. These will be accessible via MTU’s Canvas, Canvas Commons, YouTube, and the Ingenium platform. Dissemination will include academic and industry presentations, ongoing impact surveys, and a peer-reviewed journal article, ensuring broad, lasting impact across MTU and the wider educational community.
Team Members
- Dr Aidan Ware, MTU Cork – Civil Structural & Environmental Engineering
- Dr Mary Moloney, MTU Cork – Civil Structural & Environmental Engineering
- Students, MTU Cork – Civil Structural & Environmental Engineering
- Students, ATU Sligo & ATU Galway
