Auburn building science faculty showcase AI teaching tools

Faculty members from Auburn University’s McWhorter School of Building Science presented research on AI in construction education at ASC’s Applied AI for Construction Faculty symposium at the University of Oklahoma. BSCI was a title sponsor, and Professor Wes Collins co-chaired the event with ASC President Dr. Tammy McCuen. The program focused on practical AI knowledge construction faculty can bring into classes and teaching workflows.

Eric Wetzel discussed course design for construction students without prior programming, machine learning or robotics background, using hands-on activities, live demonstrations, industry guest lectures and project-based assessments. Mark Tatum examined reality capture and agentic AI in jobsite management, citing DroneDeploy Safety AI and Progress AI as examples of tools being deployed by major contractors.

Collins and incoming Assistant Professor Shadi Alathamneh showed how Microsoft Copilot Studio can turn course materials into virtual teaching assistants that support students outside scheduled class time. Collins said the work reflects BSCI’s role in shaping workforce skills, curriculum models and industry practices for responsible AI adoption in construction.