Enhancing Learning Outcomes in an Undergraduate Course of Smart Construction Major Through the Application of a Simulation Tool

ABSTRACT With the development of digitalization and the advent of Industry 4.0, education in Smart Construction has undergone great revamping. Engineering System Analysis and Optimization (ESAO) is a cross‐disciplinary undergraduate course under the curricula of the Smart Construction Major. However, due to its difficulty and poor linkage to real project‐related problems, students lack interest in learning it. This study proposes developing a simulation program that is integrated into the course to improve learning effectiveness. The simulation program includes the following two models: (1) A subway station model that helps to understand the design and functions of a real subway station, the pedestrian flow in the subway station, and the evacuation pattern of pedestrians when a fire hazard occurs; (2) A road intersection model that was used to illustrate the functions of the intersection and explain how to select the optimal parameters to enhance the vehicle pass‐through rate. In order to assess the effects of the simulation program, the study used both quantitative and qualitative analyses. In the quantitative analysis, the participants were assigned to two groups: (1) the experimental group and (2) the control group by comparing their exam scores. Additionally, the qualitative analysis, including interviews and casual conversations, was adopted to attain students' opinions about the simulation program. Based on the analysis results, the simulation program has been demonstrated to increase the competence, confidence, and interest of students when compared to conventional teaching approaches.