Poster Information
| Title | Teaching Building Science with Serious Games |
| Presenter(s) | Sean Huberty |
| Session | Conference Reception, Game Exhibition, and Poster Session |
| Time | Thursday, October 18, 7:00p-10:00p |
| Location | East Lansing Technology Innovation Center |
| Format | Poster Presentation |
| Description | There has recently been a great deal of attention directed at creating indoor environments that are both comfortable and healthy for occupants while also meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines. An example of this is the United States Green Building Council's LEED accreditation program for energy practitioners. While there are numerous training programs available, there are relatively few programs that are academic in nature. Compared to the educational resources available for longstanding subjects such as mathematics or electrical technology, the sub-field of Energy Efficiency Studies in Building Science is limited. One of the challenges of creating such curricula is the need for hands on experience inside buildings without the real danger of making the indoor environment unsafe.
In this study, a simulation of an energy related problem common to buildings was produced using Serious Game Design principles. Twelve students participated in the study, playing the game for 30 minutes and taking a 10 question survey upon completion. The purpose of the study was to qualitatively assess whether or not students studying energy efficiency topics found this delivery method effective and preferable compared to using textbooks and lectures. The initial findings show that students prefer the game to some degree, but are not comfortable with giving up books and lectures entirely. |