SERIOUS GAMES: GAMES FOR

ENGINEERING STUDENTS

RizaAtiq Abdullah bin O.K. Rahmat, Kamisah Osman, Normah Abdul Aziz

Introduction Learning can be fun with computer game just

as the computer game in entertainment industry. Students can be immersed in their study just like players of computer game. In addition computer game can be played anywhere and anytime with the advancement of computer and tablet technology, so the computer game based learning (Teed 2012) For these reasons, SimCity, a simulation game of city development was introduced in Urban Sustainable Development course in 2011

Game Based Learning Theory …. Computer game can give many

dimensions of the real world in a box which is very difficult to achieve in the traditional class room instruction.

The games are also can harness the abundant of knowledge in the internet as compared limited source of knowledge in the class room

(Foreman, 2004).

Introduction …..

The Sustainable Urban Planning course is offered to final year Civil Engineering student to instilled awareness among future engineers. This course was suggested by an international advisor to civil engineering program in 2005.

Game Based Learning Theory

Computer game can be a powerful learning tool if the game is designed:

to give players with immediate feedback, clear learning objective challenges that are matched to his or

her skill level

(Kiili, 2005).

Game Based Learning Theory ….A computer game can be a good learning media when it

has the followings characteristic: give knowledge-construction process to allow students

to construct their own knowledge effectively, provide multi perspective view to broaden student view, provide realistic and relevant contexts, embed social experience such as multi player

experience, give ownership of learning to the players, give awareness of knowledge construction process represent the learning in process in multiple mode

(Pivect, et al. 2003)

Experiment

Sustainable Urban Planning Course subjective in nature: not attractive Project based + game : Kajang development

plan Case studies of the best practices before

embarking to the project SimCity: socio-economic analysis, land-use

planning and visual presentation The game is an additional to the project report

SimCityThe game allows players to create a region of land by transforming, and then to design and build a settlement which can grow into a city. Players can zone different areas of land as  commercial, industrial, or residential development, as well as build and maintain public services, transport and utilities. For the success of a city, players must manage its finances, environment, and quality of life for its residents

Project Presentation

Project Presentation

Project Presentation

CO AchievementCohort 2009-

2010Cohort 2010-

2011Cohort 2011-

2012CO1

Ability to evaluate sustainability of a city

4.19 4.23 4.54

CO2

Ability to evaluate best practices in sustainable urban planning

4.21 4.19 4.48

CO3

Ability to evaluate sustainability of urban development’s components

3.35 3.32 3.42

CO4

Ability to produce sustainable urban development plan for existing mid-size Malaysian town

4.15 4.15 4.46

CO5

Ability to present sustainable urban development plan

4.10 4.12 4.38

Average Achievement 4.00 4.00 4.25

CO Achievement

CO1 CO2 CO3 CO4 CO5 Average0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

5

Cohort 2009-2010

Cohort 2010-2011

Cohort 2011-2012

Students’ Feedback The simulation provides visualisation of their ideas The simulation provides feedback on their proposal

in term of sustainability and they can make adjustment for improvement

They are immersed in their project and feel they are playing instead of carrying out stressful project.

Only 5% of the students drop this course compared to about one-fourth to one-third in previous cohorts

Conclusion

SimCity provides good video image and feedback on urban design, public utilities and sustainable parameters such as energy usage, water supply and other residence basic necessity.

The students experienced contextual learning when they play and as a result their course learning outcomes’ achievement was improved.

Sekian, terimakasih