Speaker
Description
Edo, O. O.
Federal polytechnic nasarawa
edoojoko2000@yahoo.com
Track: AI, Emerging Technologies and Future Learning
Dr. Oga Ojoko Edo
Department of Building Technology
Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Email: edoojoko2000@yahoo.com
The rapid emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), Digital Twin technologies, and immersive learning environments is transforming the built environment industry and redefining the competencies required of Building Technology graduates. Despite these advances, many African higher education institutions continue to adopt traditional instructional approaches that provide limited exposure to intelligent design, smart building systems, and digital innovation. This study examines the role of Generative AI, Digital Twins, and immersive learning technologies in transforming Building Technology education for future-ready African higher education. The objectives were to: (i) examine the relevance of these emerging technologies in Building Technology education; (ii) identify barriers to their effective integration into higher education curricula; (iii) evaluate their potential to enhance students' creativity, digital design competence, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills; and (iv) propose a curriculum transformation framework aligned with Education 5.0 and Smart Campus initiatives. The study adopts a qualitative review of contemporary literature, policy documents, and international best practices in digital built environment education. Findings indicate that integrating GenAI-driven design tools, Digital Twins, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) into teaching significantly enhances experiential learning, innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and graduate employability while advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 and SDG 9. The study concludes that curriculum innovation, digital infrastructure investment, faculty capacity development, and stronger university–industry collaboration are essential for preparing graduates capable of leading Africa's smart built environment and digital transformation agenda.
Keywords: Generative Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins, Building Technology Education, Smart Buildings, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Immersive Learning, Education 5.0, Smart Campuses, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).