Gamification of Construction Engineering Inaugural Experience

Civil engineering freshman usually take an introductory course in their discipline, or in general engineering. This course may serve a number of purposes including an orientation to the different engineering disciplines or civil engineering sub-disciplines, opportunities to network with other engineering students, and exposure to student success tools and tips. A game the authors developed presents construction engineering in the introductory class both as a branch of civil engineering and as a newly offered degree program at their institution. The game simulates the work environment and substantial decision points faced by construction engineers. Surveys gauge the students' self-reported technical understanding and emotional affinity for construction engineering after an introduction to construction engineering and completion of the game. The survey results quantify game effectiveness in informing students on construction engineering. A qualitative analysis of short answers evaluates the students' propensity to choose construction engineering as a major in response to their exposure to the game.