Integrating Artificial Intelligence Literacy into Construction Education through Experiential Learning

This project aims to serve the national interest by improving curricula in STEM education through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy into construction education. As AI rapidly transforms the construction industry, there is growing importance in preparing students and professionals to effectively use, evaluate, and collaborate with AI-driven technologies in practical work environments. This Level 2 Engaged Student Learning project plans to contextualize AI literacy within core areas of construction education by developing experiential, “plug-and-play” learning objects that can be embedded into existing undergraduate courses, including courses without explicit AI learning objectives. The project intends to advance understanding of how AI literacy can be integrated across discipline-specific curricula while promoting workforce readiness, innovation, and lifelong learning. The significance of the project lies in its potential to create scalable and adaptable educational resources that support undergraduate students in developing applied AI competencies relevant to the construction industry and other STEM disciplines. The goals and scope of the project include identifying essential AI competencies for construction students, developing construction-contextualized experiential learning objects, and investigating conditions under which improved student learning and AI literacy occur. The project team plans to implement and assess these learning objects across multiple undergraduate construction courses while examining their influence on students’ AI literacy, self-efficacy, attitudes toward AI, and behavioral intentions to use AI technologies. The project team also plans to study the effectiveness of experiential learning as a pedagogical strategy for contextualizing AI knowledge within discipline-specific curricula. Assessment and evaluation activities will include quantitative and qualitative methods to measure student learning outcomes, perceptions, and engagement. Dissemination efforts will include faculty development workshops, webinars, outreach activities, and integration into continuing education initiatives. The project team aims to engage K-12 students through outreach programs designed to increase awareness and participation in STEM pathways related to AI and construction. The NSF IUSE: EDU Program supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of STEM education for all students. Through the Engaged Student Learning track, the program supports the creation, exploration, and implementation of promising practices and tools. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.