Using Augmented Reality to Enhance Collaboration in Online Education

This study evaluated the impact of Augmented Reality (AR) on collaboration and problem-solving in online construction management education. The research was conducted with 60 students, and AR's effectiveness was compared with traditional visualization methods such as 2D and 3D models. The study utilized iPad and HoloLens for AR implementations. Using different visualization tools, participants worked in pairs and completed various construction-related tasks, including preconstruction, construction, and post-construction. The main focus was on measuring collaboration efficiency, task completion time, and accuracy, particularly emphasizing how AR can enhance online collaborative skills. The results of the ANOVA with repeated measures indicate that AR, primarily through the use of HoloLens, significantly improves collaboration compared to traditional methods. Although task completion accuracy remained the same across all methods, AR notably reduced the time required to complete tasks. These findings suggest that AR has the potential to significantly benefit online construction management education, offering a more interactive and practical learning experience. However, the study acknowledges certain limitations, such as excluding other visualization technologies and using AR devices in experiments. The research highlights the potential of AR to improve spatial and temporal understanding and collaboration in educational settings, especially in the field of construction management.