Data analytics is incredibly valuable for helping people. learn. More institutions are recognizing this, so the market for data analytics in education is projected to be worth over $57 billion by 2030.
We have previously talked about the many ways that big data is disrupting education. Big data isn’t just helping with education in the field of academia. Individual companies are also finding ways to take advantage of data to foster learning.
One of the fields that is leveraging data analytics to educate employees is the engineering and architecture sector.
Using Big Data to Improve Learning in the Architecture and Engineering Field
Architecture and Engineering Firms often rely on experts with specialized skills for delivering digital design outputs. Additionally, they may be required to hire external contractors and corporate trainers to accomplish the project. These experts need a detailed understanding of big data, since it is crucial for handling these tasks.
This dependency poses the risks of increased costs, time and effort, and project delays. They can use data analytics to make sensible decisions when carrying out these projects.
To tackle the budget and resources limitation and stay up-to-speed with the market trends during the pandemic, Architecture and Engineering firms are progressing toward digital learning platforms for sector-specific technical and non-technical training for all employees. They can use data analytics and predictive analytics tools to anticipate these trends more easily.
E-learning and m-learning (mobile learning) courses are available to Architects and Engineers to enhance their professional knowledge, thereby transforming the landscape of continuous professional development (CPD) within the work environment.
Using Data Analytics to Promote Learning in The Construction Sector
As the construction sector is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, architecture and engineering firms are adapting to online learning management systems for the continued professional development of their employees. The digital learning platforms for architecture and engineering firms are customized to perform multiple functions such as assigning and reporting completion of courses, tracking license requirements, and identifying employee skill gaps. They can use data analytics tools to monitor progress and help people learn more easily.
The training content is specially designed to meet the needs of architects and engineers in the digitally progressing market. The more data analytics algorithms are utilized, the easier it will be to deal with these changes.
Micro-learning Methodology
Supporting the growing trend of bite-sized micro-learning or nano-learning, architects and engineers can access condensed information at any time and place based on their convenience. The micro-learning courses enable the professionals to grasp most information in an engaging format. These courses use data analytics tools to assess skill retention.
Professionals in the construction sector are required to multi-task both on-site and off-site. Using the micro-learning methodology, they can easily access all training materials whenever they need them from any device.
It ensures quick resolutions and coordination between the multiple stakeholders involved in the delivery of a construction project.
How Does Data-Driven Learning Empower Architecture And Engineering Firms?
Architecture and Engineering firms plan, design, and enable the construction of complex infrastructure and buildings. A comprehensive cloud-based digital learning platform with sophisticated data analytics tools enables employees to access multi-modal training material.
The successful delivery of an infrastructure and building project depends largely on effective collaboration between architects, landscape architects, structural engineers, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers, designers, and contractors.
The learning management system for architecture and engineering firms integrates learning modules and specific design and management tools that rely on complex data analytics tools. It enables the learner to understand building information modeling (BIM) software.
BIM, relatively new technology in the construction sector, is used to manage information for a project throughout its lifecycle – from planning to construction and operations.
Types of Online Training Courses
Professionals in the construction sector need to stay up to speed with the advancement of tools and technology.
The online training courses for the continued professional development of employees in an architecture and engineering firm may be categorized broadly into two groups:
Technical Training
Technical training helps employees become better professionals by improving the skills needed to perform their roles. Whether they are designers, architects, engineers, or IT professionals, each expert has a scope for improvement in their respective knowledge sector.
Technical Training courses focus on the development of hard skills as described below.
1. Software Training
This includes training for design and BIM software such as Revit, Sketchup, Photoshop, Illustrator, STAAD, 3ds Max, 3D Printing, and AutoCAD.
The construction industry has also started exploring impactful technological innovations such as Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Artificial Intelligence to train professionals.
2. Computer Apps Training
This may include training for improving presentation skills, report writing skills, advanced training for Microsoft Apps such as Powerpoint, Word, and Excel, and also custom apps installed by the specific Architecture and Engineering firm for management of documents and deliverables, coordination between teams, etc.
3. Product Knowledge Training
To sell a product successfully to a client, the professional needs to be fully aware of the product’s features, benefits, costs, and uses. The firm usually conducts product knowledge training for its employees when it introduces a new feature or product in the market.
Non-Technical Training
Non-Technical training focuses on the soft skills development of the professionals. It helps in shaping their behavior and interpersonal relationships.
It also enables the employees to interact harmoniously with their colleagues and clients.
The soft skills involve effective communication, problem-solving, decision-making, client management, and company ethics.
Further, non-technical training includes Onboarding and Orientation Training for new hires and Compliance Training.
Benefits Of Digital Learning In Architecture And Engineering Firms
Data-driven learning in the construction industry is proving to be highly beneficial for professionals. Some of the advantages of using data-driven learning are listed below.
- Data-driven learning has enabled professionals to learn about the latest trends and technology in construction and carve out their career paths based on their interests and comfort levels.
- Architects and engineers are evolving and doing more than designing and supervising the construction of buildings and equipment. With unlimited access to data, information, and analytics, they can broaden their ambits in design and experiment with modeling, robotics, 3D printing, and virtual and augmented reality.
- The availability of training modules on all devices enables architecture and engineering professionals to streamline their processes, provide quick iterations, and deliver solutions.
- Custom training courses provide the professionals with the opportunity to collaborate and enhance their performance collectively when working on data-driven education projects.
- Interactive digital learning courses simulate an engaging environment for professionals and foster a sense of ownership over their professional growth.
- The availability of training courses at any time gives the learners the flexibility to learn as and when they can spare time from their busy work schedules.
Data-Driven Learning is the Future of the Engineering Sector
Big data is the future of education. Data-driven learning has become an essential part of the continued professional development of employees of all sectors of the business world, including the construction sector.
Architects and engineers have a plethora of online training courses in which they can learn to upskill themselves and enhance their professional performance.
Moreover, data-driven learning platforms provide flexibility to learners. They can access the training material at a convenient time and from any location. This keeps them motivated and engaged in learning and improving their technical and non-technical skills.
Architecture and Engineering firms can, thus, build efficient teams and deliver projects in a more effective and timely manner.