Using Games to Teach Statics Calculation Procedures: Application and Assessment

Abstract

Computers afford opportunities for creative instructional activities that are not possible in the traditional lecture-and-textbook class format. Two computer-based interactive games for engineering statics are described in this study. These games are designed to foster proficiency and confidence in narrowly defined but essential topics through the use of repetition and carefully constructed levels of difficulty. the game format provides students with a learning structure and an incentive to develop skills at their own pace in a non-judgmental but competitive and often fun environment. Quantitative and qualitative assessments of both games revealed that: (a) students' quantitative ratings and comments were consistently positive; (b) students who used the games scored significantly higher on quizzes over the subject material than those who learned via traditional lecture; and (c) students rated the games as significantly more effective than the textbook as an aid for learning the material.

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Second Department

Business and Information Technology

Third Department

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Animation; Computer-based instruction; Engineering mechanics; Games; Statics; Chemical analysis; Learning systems; Students; Engineering education; Computer animation; Computer games; Computer-assisted instruction; Statics

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1061-3773

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2005 Wiley, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Oct 2005

Link to Full Text

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