Learning Sustainable Development with a New Simulation Game

Abstract

This new simulation game, the authors'first, has been created to introduce discipline-related concepts to a wider audience. The authors set out to create a game that would reduce an abstract concept to its basic components and present it within a frame, with the intent to capitalize on the benefits of gaming and simulation. The result of this creative effort is a card game called LEARNING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (LSD).This game is intended to create awareness to and explore attitudes toward environmental conservation and urban development. The concept of sustainable development has been chosen as the focus of the game, not only because it is one of the basic precepts of the authors'milieu but also because it presents a challenge in that it prompts players to reevaluate and potentially change their attitudes and behavior concerning routine practices. LSD has gone through extensive testing, revisions, and changes. Through this experience, the authors have concluded that simulation games can be used by practitioners and researchers to promote awareness to a novel concept in a particular field.

Simulation games in engineering education: A state‐of‐the‐art review

“…The games assist students make decisions in a multidimensional environment, * Problem-based: These games allow students to try several approaches depending on the assumptions made. [17] Business ethics Computer based Problem -based [18] Child development Non-computerized Mini-case [19] Interviewing skills Non-computerized Exercise-based [20] Laboratory management Computer based Drill and exercise [21] Medical Computer based Problem-based HEART-SENSE Game [22] Medical Computer based Drill-based Spectrum game [23] Physics Computer based Drill-based [25] Physics Computer based Problem-based Frantic Physics [24] Physics and calculus Computer based Drill-type Tic-Tac-Toe game [24] Mathematics Computer based Exercise-based [37] Computer security Computer based Drill-based SimSE [39] Software engineering Computer based Mini-case based SESAM [40] Software engineering Computer based Mini-case based [41] Software engineering Computer based Mini-case based Project Manager [42] Information systems Computer based Mini-case based KM QUEST [43] Information systems Computer based Problem-based [38] Computer protocols Non-computerized Drill-based MagicBlocks [11] Digital logic Computer based Drill-based Konane [44] Artificial intelligence Non-computerized Drill-based Industrial Waste game [70] Environmental engineering Non-computerized Exercise-based Educational water quality management game [6] Environmental engineering Computer based Problem-based Learning Sustainable Development [13] Environmental engineering Non-computerized Exercise-based Internet-based Interactive Construction Management Learning System [32] Civil engineering Computer based Drill-based [33] Civil engineering Computer based Problem-based [12] Engineering graphics Computer based Drill-based [4] Engineering mechanics Computer based Drill-based [54] System dynamics Computer based Problem-based [50] Thermodynamics Computer based Drill-based [51] Thermodynamics Computer based Drill-based …”

Gender differences in students’ learning achievements and awareness through residence energy saving game-based inquiry playing

“…For example, a study by Evans et al (2007) demonstrated that while learning through games, students developed positive attitudes regarding the environment besides they also behave in an environmentally responsible manner. Computer simulation games can be implemented in various teaching learning fields for promoting environmental awareness and exploring attitudes toward environmental conservation (Torres and Macedo 2000). Moreover, a recent study by Yang et al (2012) has shown that a digital game-based learning system can be used as a strategy to promote the selfawareness regarding energy conservation and enable learning energy conservation with higher motivation and willingness.…”

Game-Based Learning for Green Building Education

“…Using games as a teaching medium makes the learning process more enjoyable, which in turn makes the learners more receptive to the messages or information the game's creator or the instructor intends to convey [27].…”

“…In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward the use of games as a teaching method. Previous studies have revealed that the application of games in various practical teaching fields has achieved positive results [25][26][27]; for example, using games as a teaching medium has been shown to make the learning process more enjoyable, which in turn makes learners receptive to the learning content [27]. The game process is also a self-regulated learning model, meaning that it promotes individual cognitive development more effectively than traditional lecture-based learning [28].…”

“…Tabletop games are easy to transport, easy to learn, environmentally friendly, and cheap to produce; further, they foster easy communication and transmission of knowledge or skills [30]. Tabletop games have been used on many topics in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, including simulation of the building tender process [25], urban sustainable development learning [27], energy simulation [16], interdisciplinary communication and education for climate change [31], and construction resource allocation practices [32]. These examples show that tabletop games can be applied widely to education and can simulate various scenarios.…”