Student Perceptions of Construction Site Safety and Achievement Goals in the Era of Digital and AI Technologies

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Vartenie Aramali, Shu-Sha Guan and Weston Widmeyer

Abstract

This pilot study investigates the intersection of learning theories and construction site safety awareness among undergraduate students in a construction management program. A survey, developed through interdisciplinary collaboration between the Departments of Civil Engineering and Construction Management and Child and Adolescent Development, was administered to 22 students enrolled in the construction management program and specifically in a construction site safety-focused laboratory course. In the context of post-pandemic conditions and emerging technologies, the study aims to identify key factors influencing students’ perceptions of effective safety education. Additionally, the survey captured students’ perspectives on the role of digital technologies like mobile phone applications, multiplayer game environments, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing construction safety, revealing a divide between optimism and skepticism. Preliminary results suggest that students' achievement goals influenced how they interpret safety training methods and content as future construction professionals. This study lays the foundation for future research on comprehensive, technology-informed safety education strategies in construction and project management programs for a variety of learners.

Keyphrases: artificial intelligence, construction management, construction management education, construction safety, growth mindset

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 80-89.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/NCbQ
	https://doi.org/10.29007/t124

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Student_Perceptions_Construction_Site,
  author    = {Vartenie Aramali and Shu-Sha Guan and Weston Widmeyer},
  title     = {Student Perceptions of Construction Site Safety and Achievement Goals in the Era of Digital and AI Technologies},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/NCbQ},
  doi       = {10.29007/t124},
  pages     = {80-89},
  year      = {2026}}

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