Abstract:

Background:
In 2023, researchers at the University of Central Florida (UCF) received funding to explore the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in training construction industry workers. In the United States, the construction industry faces a growing foreign language skills gap, leading to employability, safety, and skill development issues. Many sectors, including construction and manufacturing, heavily depend on Hispanic and Latino workers. As skilled trades increasingly require knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), workers often lack this education because these jobs typically do not require four-year degrees. The UCF project aims to support non-native English-speaking workers by providing AR access to Building Information Modeling (BIM) data in their native language, Spanish. This initiative will help present and future workers acquire in-demand retrofitting skills. Retrofitting is crucial for reducing waste from construction and demolition, significantly improving environmental sustainability, and preserving historic structures.

Importance of Linguistic Equity:
Linguistic equity improves communication, enhances safety, promotes employability and increases career advancement opportunities. Addressing verbal communication barriers can significantly reduce the risks of miscommunications. Bilingualism can bridge communication gaps, making advanced technological training accessible to Hispanic and Latino workers and ensuring a more inclusive and efficient workforce.

Addressing Linguistic Disadvantages in the Workforce:
There is a critical need for linguistic equity in the construction workforce. Implementing AR and BIM technologies with real-time voice translation in Spanish can facilitate effective training and communication for Hispanic and Latino workers. Our focus is on retrofitting skills requiring STEM knowledge. These skills benefit individual workers and contribute to a more effective, efficient, and equitable construction industry, ultimately benefiting society.

Focus of the Session:
The session will address three major aspects of the UCF project:
1. Utilization of Microsoft HoloLens 2:
- Discuss the use of the Microsoft HoloLens 2 Augmented Reality headset as a tool for educating construction industry workers.
- Present development of an AR experience that will be tested in the fall.
2. Comprehensive Bilingual Glossary:
- Develop a detailed glossary of construction terms accessible in text or via AR to support advancing technical vocabulary comprehension in English and Spanish.
- Analyze the need to understand the subtleties and complexities of various Spanish dialects.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses in AR+BIM real-time translation interfaces.
- Address the differences in construction terminologies used in Spanish across diverse regions, including Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Spain.
3. Diverse Learning Strategies:
- Incorporate Gardner’s multiple intelligences to tailor training approaches, enhancing learning and retention through verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial-visual, bodily-kinesthetic, and intrapersonal methods.
- Develop experiential learning modules fostering bodily-kinesthetic intelligence allowing workers to physically interact with AR tools and BIM data.

Keywords:

Employability, Work Trends, Augmented Reality (AR), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Construction Industry, Hispanic Workers.