Project-Based Construction Education with Simulations in a Gaming Environment. Issue 3 (2nd July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goedert, James D.; Rokooei, Saeed
• Is Part Of: International journal of construction education and research. Volume 12:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 208
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2016-07-02
• Subjects: Computer aided simulation -- concrete bridges -- construction management -- educational games -- engineering education; Building -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Construction industry -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 624.07
• DOI: 10.1080/15578771.2015.1121936
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1557-8771

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Virtual Interactive Construction Education, (VICE)-Bridge, is a project-based pedagogical approach delivered in a simulated environment. The long-term goal of VICE is to develop a series of project-oriented simulations as serious games that deliver construction education in a situated context. VICE improves understanding at a level that parallels real world experiences. The project orientation allows the introduction of subjects for the context in which it is needed. Socio-demographic information is collected and matched to performance measures that include items like number of consultant hits, time to complete exercises, number of attempts, project cost and duration. Twenty-six college level construction students from a methods and equipment course completed the game. Performance was measured with pre- and post-construction content knowledge exercises consistent with the course content, performance measures built into the game, self-assessment surveys, and an exit survey. This project is unique in that it uses simulation in an educational game environment to introduce construction subject matter as needed within a project orientation. The project was shown to be both effective and engaging using evaluation techniques based on best practices for educational gaming research.