Civil engineering education in a visualization environment: Experiences with VizClass

VizClass, a university classroom visualization environment, was developed to bridge the gap between high-tech engineering practice and low-tech engineering pedagogy. It contains a suite of digital whiteboards, a three-dimensional stereoscopic display, and specialized software for engineering visualization. Through observations, interviews, surveys, and examination of student work, we investigated student and teacher attitudes toward VizClass and its effect on teaching and learning processes. Observed benefits of teaching in the new environment include increased ability of faculty to visually explain complex problems, increased ability of students to conceptualize engineering problems, and increased engagement of students in after-class collaboration.