Download PDFOpen PDF in browserExploring Online Social Collaborative Spaces as an Alternative to Physical Site Visits in AEC Education: Development, Evaluation, and Insights10 pages•Published: July 23, 2025AbstractSite visits are crucial in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) education, offering students hands-on experience and practical insights. However, physical visits often encounter challenges such as logistical constraints, safety concerns, and limited accessibility. Consequently, there is a growing trend towards web-based virtual learning environments, providing flexible and accessible alternatives to traditional site visits. This study discusses the development and evaluation of an Online Social Collaborative Space (OSCS) as a substitute for real-world site visits. The workflow for OSCS development is outlined, followed by a pilot study involving students to assess the OSCS. The evaluation focused on quantitative measures of workload, ease of use, and sense of presence within the environment. The findings aim to enhance conventional AEC education practices by offering insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of immersive online social collaborative spaces as substitutes for physical site visits.Keyphrases: aec, education, mep, online social collaborative spaces, site visits In: Wesley Collins, Anthony J. Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 61st Annual International Conference, vol 6, pages 520-529.
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