Embedding Emerging Technologies in Built Environment Education

In recent years, technological advances within the construction industry have seen a rapid increase, with the uptake of BIM being one example of this. Due to the rapid development of emerging technologies, one of the challenges facing the industry is to embrace technology and drive innovation. Emerging technologies include, but are not limited to: BIM software and tools, laser scanning, augmented/virtual reality, wearable technologies and the use of drones in construction. Although some of these technological advancements are being covered in higher education, there have been suggestions that students should be better exposed to the advancements being made in order to be properly prepared for entering the industry upon graduation. This paper adopts a mixed methods approach to establish the current use and coverage of emerging technologies as part of built environment programmes in higher education as well as the barriers to embedding these technologies in courses. Whilst it seems there is an extensive coverage of the use of BIM, other technologies are not as widespread. Suggested barriers to embedding technology related to financial issues as well as a lack of knowledge/expertise of the cutting edge technology being used in industry. The paper provides recommendations for further research to aid in embedding technology in higher education courses.