The Influence of Virtual Reality in the Built Environment Education: Evidence from Quantity Surveying Courses

The integration of Virtual Reality (VR) in higher education has revolutionized learning experiences, yet its application in quantity surveying remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by evaluating VR's effectiveness against traditional teaching methods in a university-level quantity surveying program. Conducted with final-year students in the 2022-2023 academic year, it comprises two experiments. Initially, students assess 2D architectural plans, followed by immersion in VR to explore the same structures. The first experiment gathers qualitative data through interviews, while the second collects quantitative data via questionnaires. Results indicate that VR notably enhances student motivation, comprehension of structural elements, and spatial navigation in virtual models, particularly in measurement and construction technology areas of the curriculum. However, the study also reveals diverse comfort levels and challenges in VR navigation, suggesting the need for tailored VR integration strategies in different subject areas. This research fills a critical gap in understanding VR's impact in quantity surveying education, highlighting its potential to enrich learning outcomes across various disciplines within the built environment sector.