Off-Site Implementation of GeoExplorer: A Game-Based Module for Geotechnical Engineering Education

Victoria G. Bennett, Ifeanyi Mbah, Tarek Abdoun, Casper Hartveld, Binod Tiwari, Beena Ajmera, Flora McMartin, Usama El Shamy

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper highlights an effort to address the lack of exposure to field testing and practical experience in geotechnical engineering education through the development and implementation of a mixed reality and mobile (MR&M) educational game, "Geo Explorer." In the spring 2017 semester, a course module was implemented in existing geotechnical engineering courses on a campus other than that of the developers (off-site). The formative evaluation of the module was designed to ensure that the game addressed the module's learning outcomes and measured student learning. Pre-game and post-game implementation surveys were conducted. The classroom implementation included a pre-game survey, which included technical questions designed to evaluate their learning. Then the students received a traditional lecture to teach cone penetration testing (CPT) procedures and analysis. This was followed by introducing the CPT portion of the GeoExplorer game to the class, which started with the same technical questions. After completing the game assignment, the students completed the post-game survey. Preliminary results show a one point gain in student confidence after playing the game (from slightly to moderately confident on a likert scale) and an increase in correct content knowledge responses from 13% to 67%.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationGeotechnical Special Publication
EditorsChristopher L. Meehan, Sanjeev Kumar, Miguel A. Pando, Joseph T. Coe
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages99-106
Number of pages8
EditionGSP 314
ISBN (Electronic)9780784482162
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
Event8th International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering: Data, Software, Education, and a Tribute to Ralph Peck, Geo-Congress 2019 - Philadelphia, United States
Duration: Mar 24 2019Mar 27 2019

Publication series

NameGeotechnical Special Publication
NumberGSP 314
Volume2019-March
ISSN (Print)0895-0563

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Case Histories in Geotechnical Engineering: Data, Software, Education, and a Tribute to Ralph Peck, Geo-Congress 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhiladelphia
Period3/24/193/27/19

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Building and Construction
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Off-Site Implementation of GeoExplorer: A Game-Based Module for Geotechnical Engineering Education'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this