An overview of game-based learning in building services engineering education

Abstract

To ensure proper competence development and short graduation times for engineering students, it is essential that the study motivation is encouraged by new learning methods. In game-based learning, the learner's engagement is increased and learning is made meaningful by applying game-like features such as competition and rewarding through virtual promotions or achievement badges. In this paper, the state of the art of game-based learning in building services engineering education at university level is reviewed and discussed. A systematic literature review indicates that educational games have been reported in the field of related disciplines, such as mechanical and civil engineering. The development of system-level educational games that realistically simulate work life in building services engineering is still in its infancy. Novel rewarding practices and more comprehensive approaches entailing the state-of-the-art information tools such as building information modelling, geographic information systems, building management systems and augmented reality are needed in the future.

Keywords:

• game-based learning
• gamification
• building services engineering

About the author

Kari Alanne graduated in an MSc (Tech.) degree in energy economics in 1997. Later, he carried on post-graduate studies in heat transfer and fluid mechanics, HVAC technologies and system analysis. He obtained the degree of D.Sc (Tech.) at Helsinki University of Technology in 2007. He has investigated the application of decision analysis in the selection of energy solutions for buildings, focusing on the integration of micro-cogeneration technologies. Since 2006, Kari Alanne has been working as a University Lecturer at the Department of Energy Technology of Aalto University. Previously, he worked as a Research Scientist at VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland) and as a Special Lecturer and Assistant at Lappeenranta University of Technology. Between 2003 and 2010, he had worked in various overseas institutions including Ruhr-Universität Bochum (Germany), the University of Victoria (Canada), Carleton University (Canada) and De Montfort University (UK).

Selected publications:

Alanne Kari and Saari Arto. 2004. “Sustainable Small-Scale CHP Technologies for Buildings: The Basis for Multi-Perspective Decision-making.” Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews 8: 401–431.

Alanne Kari and Saari Arto. 2006. “Distributed Energy Generation and Sustainable Development.” Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews 10: 539–558.

Alanne Kari, Salo Ahti, Saari Arto and Gustafsson Stig-Inge. 2007. “Multi-Criteria Evaluation of Residential Energy Supply Systems.” Energy and Buildings 39: 1218–1226.