Teaching BIM as an integrated Multidisciplinary program
(Case study Syrian virtual university)
Raghad Safour 1, Sonia Ahmed 2
1 Master in Building Information Modeling and Management, Syrian Virtual University
2 Lecturer Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Al-Rasheed University, Damascus, Syria
Email address: raghad_167004@svuonline.org; Sonia_ahmed@ru.edu.sy
Abstract
Although Building Information Modeling (BIM) is widely adopted all over the world, it is still considered a new approach in Syria, and only a few educational institutions apply it. Therefore, it is important to publish academic studies on BIM models and to train new professionals who can implement BIM in the architecture, construction, and operation sector (AECO). This study aims to measure the maturity of BIM at the Syrian Virtual University (SVU) in order to evaluate and develop the Building Information Modeling and Management (BIMM) master's program. The research methodology is based on measuring maturity using a maturity measurement tool for higher education institutions (BIM maturity matrix for higher education institutions or BIM-HEI), in addition to distributing an electronic questionnaire to BIMM master's students, with a sample size of 93 students. Based on the results of the maturity measurement and respondents' answers, this study proposes recommendations and proposals to develop the master's program. Furthermore, it presents a new contribution by presenting a successful model for teaching BIM in universities, which can serve as an example for educational institutions in Syria to plan and adopt BIM in their curricula, while properly disseminating and adopting the BIM culture within their universities.
Keywords: BIM maturity; Higher education institutions; BIM adoption; BIM teaching; BIM Courses; curricula