Kennesaw State University is developing interactive virtual reality learning environments for construction management students, supported by a $250,000 National Science Foundation grant awarded to associate professor Minsoo Baek of the College of Architecture and Construction Management. The three-year project began on 1 October 2026 and combines generative AI with VR so students can experience construction scenarios, make decisions and explore varied career paths before entering the workforce.
To build the environments, researchers will use 360-degree cameras to capture footage from construction sites and will interview industry professionals, including project managers, site engineers and safety managers. Students wearing VR headsets could then take on different construction roles and respond to challenges such as project delays, rising material costs, changing weather conditions and safety concerns. Baek describes the aim as a responsive, interactive environment rather than a static one.
Baek is collaborating with Dr. Jiho Noh of Kennesaw State's Department of Computer Science and with Dr. Soowon Chang and Dr. Cho Hyun Park of Purdue University. Kennesaw State doctoral, master's and undergraduate students will also take part in developing and evaluating the AI-integrated VR learning environments. The work is supported by the NSF Division of Undergraduate Education under Award No. 2600289.
