A Systematic Review of Technology-Enhanced Learning Approaches to Foster Construction Engineering and Management Competencies

Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) has been integrated into construction engineering and management (CEM) education, offering innovative tools to improve both technical and soft skills. However, the effectiveness and scope of these technologies in addressing critical competencies have not been explored. This systematic review evaluated the current use of TEL in developing competencies in CEM education, with a focus on understanding which competencies and TEL are most frequently addressed, the learning assessment used, and the challenges on applying TEL. Following the systematic review, this study adhered to a five-step process: developing research questions, cataloging research articles, appraising the quality of the literature, synthesizing insights, and acknowledging limitations. Data was synthesized from 28 studies published between 2013 and 2023. The findings reveal a predominant focus on hard skills, particularly in safety training and project management, with limited attention to soft skills. Immersive environments like Virtual Reality and Building Information Modeling are the most commonly used TEL tools. Additionally, while instructors employ both formative and summative assessments, they often refrain from using TEL due to a lack of knowledge in utilizing these technologies and the high investment required. Future research should explore training both students and instructors to overcome the lack of knowledge regarding TEL and to develop adaptive assessment methods that equally emphasize both technical and soft skills. Expanding the use of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things could further enhance the effectiveness of TEL in CEM education.