The teaching of cost planning using the building cost information service on-line system

This paper describes teaching and learning in building design cost management for undergraduate construction economics, construction management and architecture students using the WorldWideWeb based Building Cost Information Service. The paper also discusses the benefits of using such an authentic learning strategy to achieve specified learning outcomes which are considered by t he a uthors to be of considerable benefit in the teaching of this important subject area. Although there are a number of limitations in the application of building design cost management, as considered in this paper, some of which are discussed below, to date no satisfactory alternative has been developed, and therefore, a clear understanding of what the process is and how it is applied, is essential.