Leveraging Online Games and Apps in Geotechnical Engineering Pedagogy

The usage of virtual tools in higher education in on the rise in engineering.With the recent modality shift due to COVID-19 restrictions, the necessity for virtual tools and technology enhanced application like online games and mobile apps are expected to grow.The learning algorithm of generation Z (Gen Z) is different from millennials where the former spends significant time on screen.To keep students more engaged during the learning process, the educators are now choosing various online tools like games and apps for effective understanding.The study used Kahoot platform to increase classroom engagement to boost motivation.Kahoot platform also provided instant feedback from students in the class during the Civil Engineering Materials class.In addition, the study also attempted to build mobile apps for few geotechnical engineering applications related problems.Moisture content, unit weight, permeability, bearing capacity etc. are some of the examples where the study developed apps for better understanding.While the programmable calculators and online engineering tools with excel files are abundant, the recent abundancy of mobile devices offer seamless integration of convenience, connectivity, and processing power.Most of the students revolves around social media, photography, and shopping application whereas the inclusion of education within this platform remain largely unexplored.The apps will also assist the fresh graduate to have an estimation of the geotechnical properties based on the soil testing.Initially developed for android platform, the team will continue to create the same apps for iOS platform.The outcome of this paper will assist the educators to adopt such tools for their classroom teaching for more student engagement.