From YouTube to University: Your Guide to Learning More About BIM
September 10, 2024 at 7:00 am,
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Last week marked the start of a new school year for many countries, and I decided to explore the opportunities for learning more about digital construction and Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies. BIM encompasses a wide range of topics tied to specific roles, such as clients, estimators, engineers, and emerging roles like BIM coordinators, 4D specialists, and more. It also involves various tools, including Revit and others.
In this blog post, I have compiled information on five key educational resources:
- Social networks, blogs, and podcasts
- Courses
- Conferences
- Books
- Higher education
Social Networks, Blogs & Podcasts
These resources offer a wealth of information about BIM, but much of it is uncurated and varies in quality. Finding valuable content can be challenging, though these platforms do host plenty of useful material.
A significant portion of content comes from software developers and resellers like Autodesk and Plannerly, often focused on specific tools and their applications. However, they also share a wealth of practical and informative content.
Additionally, many experienced professionals contribute their knowledge on a wide range of topics. A few YouTube channels I recommend are:
Most of these channels also maintain blogs, and some even produce podcasts, providing even more ways to engage with their content.
Courses
Courses are an excellent way to gain in-depth knowledge on various topics. Since they require a significant time investment, it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.
Course providers can generally be divided into two main categories:
- Major learning platforms
- Smaller learning centers or private courses
Major Learning Platforms
Below are examples of platforms offering a wide range of BIM-related content. While the quality may vary, many high-quality courses are available.
- Udemy.com – 1,175 results for the keyword "BIM"
- LinkedIn Learning – 7,385 results for the keyword "BIM"
- Coursera.com – Fewer BIM-specific courses, but content is available in various languages.
Conferences
Conferences offer a fantastic opportunity not only to learn about new trends but also to network with industry professionals in person. Some globally recognized events include:
Many countries also host conferences tailored to their local markets, some of which are excellent. Additionally, there are events focused on specific topics, such as:
These are just a few options among many others.
Books
For many, reading books is a great way to learn something new, and BIM is no exception. While it may not be the most popular topic, there are several valuable resources available.
One of the most well-known books on the subject is "BIM Handbook" by Rafael Sacks and Charles Eastman.
As with other sources, there are numerous books on specialized topics, such as construction management, specific software tools, and more.
Higher education
Last but not least is higher education, which can be divided into two categories:
- Classical higher education – Architectural, structural, and engineering programs that include BIM in their curriculum.
- Specialized BIM education – Master's degrees focused specifically on BIM management and related fields.
Classical Higher Education
Many universities worldwide offering architecture and engineering programs are incorporating BIM into their curriculum. Some have been more successful than others. If you have the option to choose, I recommend looking for universities that promote cross-disciplinary, project-based learning with a focus on BIM integration.
BIM-Specific Higher Education
For those interested in a degree specifically in BIM, there is a growing number of specialized master’s programs. A helpful resource for finding these programs is findamasters.com, which currently lists 34 master’s programs with "BIM" in their title.
Some well-known programs are provided by:
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of where you can deepen your knowledge of BIM. It’s crucial to find resources that address your specific needs or problems at any given time. Depending on your preferences—whether it’s audio, video, or books—there's something useful for everyone. Know of any other great resources? Leave a comment!