Use of a Driving Simulator to Enhance Learning Experience of Undergraduates in Highway Design

Abstract

This paper presents an exploratory study that focuses on addressing the needs of the new generation for engaging and more active learning experiences. an undergraduate highway design project for civil engineers was complemented with the use of a driving simulator both before and after two major highway design stages, horizontal and vertical alignment. Students perceived the driving simulator as engaging as well as effective for testing and evaluating highway designs. Perceived engagement of the driving simulator increased significantly from the pre- to the post-phases of design activities. in addition, students' ability to evaluate the quality of the vertical alignment generated with the driving simulator increased significantly after they completed that part of the highway design project. as a result, including a driving simulator as a virtual reality tool for analyzing the quality of highway design can improve the way students perceive and engage in the highway design tasks. This was especially useful since the target students were part of mandatory courses not directly related to their major. Students' suggestions for expanding the use of the driving simulator to other parts of the course complemented the above findings. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

International Standard Book Number (ISBN)

978-087823241-3

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

2153-5965

Document Type

Article - Conference proceedings

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2024 American Society for Experimental Engineers, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2012

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