Implementation Of Wireless Webcam Technology For Construction Management Field Trips

A significant portion of the curriculum in construction management (CM) requires an understanding of and appreciation for techniques in management and technology that are impacted by the conditions and context of the construction job site. When possible, field trips are arranged so that students are able to observe the conditions and communications typical of jobsite activities. Unfortunately, field trips present numerous challenges. Even when they are available, the logistics of transportation and timing create problems. In addition, job sites may not be accessible to large numbers of students, or may present dangerous conditions for observation. As an alternative, it has been suggested that webcam technology could be utilized as a means to provide job site observation without many of the drawbacks experienced with field trips. A study designed to investigate available, cost-effective, and functional webcam technologies suitable for use in the university setting; to implement the use of the technology to carry out a live field trip in a construction techniques and a project management class at the Purdue University Department of Building Construction Management; and to survey students, professors, and field personnel who experienced the job site to classroom webcam educational activities was completed in the fall of 2006. This initial use of live wireless webcam technology for CM field trips was received with enthusiasm by students, faculty, and the field personnel that worked with the equipment. Use and assessment of the equipment continued during the spring semester of 2007 at 5 jobsites in two states. This paper summarizes the experiences and data collected during the wireless webcam field trips to demonstrate the value of wireless field trips as a tool to enhance the educational experiences of CM students. In addition, best practices and operational instructions, which were developed based on these initial field trip experiences, are described to advance the continuity of use of wireless webcam field trips.