The use of ACT-UK within in the Undergraduate Building Degrees at Coventry University

The concept of problem-based learning has grown in popularity due to many benefits emanated from student engagement in the learning process. Coventry University is implementing this pedagogical approach, renamed as Activity Led Learning (ALL), for its Undergraduate Building Degrees. Simultaneously, Advanced Construction Technology (ACT-UK) at Coventry University is establishing a construction technology simulation centre which also primarily focuses on ALL. These factors raise the issue as to whether the simulation centre should be used within the Undergraduate Building Degrees. The aim of the research was to investigate the possible role of ACT-UK in the implementation of ALL in the Undergraduate Building Degree curriculum at Coventry University. Firstly a review of ALL was undertaken. Then the view of construction employers, students and academics was sought via a data collection process including questionnaire survey and interview to ascertain a range of opinions regarding the possible use and integration of the new simulation centre within the Undergraduate Building Degrees. The analysis indicates a high degree of agreement to the use of the new simulation centre. Due to a variety of reasons, the consensus was that such changes should not be embedded within the curriculum. Rather, the changes should sit outside, and in addition to, the current curriculum. Following on from the analysis, an outline of a possible proposal that meets the needs of all parties was developed and will be highlighted. The findings from this research provide a case for integrating an innovative pedagogy approach within undergraduate curricula using advanced educational technology.