Integrating AI-Based Instruction into Immersive Site Visit in Construction Education: A Pilot Study

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Mahzerin Sultana, Aushmeet Singh, Farshad Askari, Gilles Albeaino and Wei Yan

Abstract

Site visits are significant in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) education as they provide hands-on knowledge that bridges theory with practice. However, logistical, safety, and instructional constraints often limit their accessibility and effectiveness. While interactive virtual learning environments offer a promising alternative, most existing AEC virtual site visits rely on rigid, non-adaptive content with limited responsiveness to diverse learner needs. AI-based adaptive instructional support has the potential to address these limitations, yet its integration into AEC virtual site visits remains underexplored, leaving its feasibility and influence on learner experience insufficiently understood. This study presents the development and pilot evaluation of an AI-assisted virtual electrical systems site visit delivered through a desktop-based immersive virtual environment. By integrating AI models trained on domain-specific knowledge, the virtual environment provides context-aware and personalized instruction through real-time guidance, animations, and interaction via voice and text. The pilot study evaluated workload, motivation, usability, sense of presence, and engagement. Results indicated low workload, moderate motivation, acceptable usability, a moderate-to-high sense of presence, and active engagement among participants during the site visit. Overall, the findings demonstrate the feasibility of AI-assisted virtual environments for supporting practical AEC learning while highlighting the need for further refinement and investigation.

Keyphrases: adaptive learning, aec, ai assisted virtual environment, education, site visits

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 783-792.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/sw1B
	https://doi.org/10.29007/l34n

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Integrating_AI_Based_Instruction,
  author    = {Mahzerin Sultana and Aushmeet Singh and Farshad Askari and Gilles Albeaino and Wei Yan},
  title     = {Integrating AI-Based Instruction into Immersive Site Visit in Construction Education: A Pilot Study},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/sw1B},
  doi       = {10.29007/l34n},
  pages     = {783-792},
  year      = {2026}}

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