Games and Simulations in Construction Engineering

The K12 Engineering Education Podcast

Architectural and civil engineers are using rich digital tools to simulate constructed buildings. Similar tools are also being used in digital video games and virtual reality games that might teach future engineers. Dr. Fadi Castronovo speaks about his efforts to advance engineering education using simulations and games like these. Fadi is an engineering professor at California State University, East Bay (or Cal State East Bay), an architectural engineer by training, and an educational game designer. He also talks about his students’ game to teach sustainability practices, his favorite video games, and his background across the world. Related to this episode: • Dr. Fadi Castronovo: https://www.fadicastronovo.com/ • Download some of Fadi’s educational games: https://www.fadicastronovo.com/research-groups/stem-educational-gaming-research-group • Cal State East Bay engineering: http://www.csueastbay.edu/engineering/ • Cooper-Union engineering: https://cooper.edu/engineering • Penn State University engineering: https://www.engr.psu.edu/ • Dr. John Messner: https://news.psu.edu/expert/john-messner • Dr. Messner's lab: https://www.pennstatecic.org/people.html • Virtual Construction Simulator (VCS): https://www.pennstatecic.org/vcs.html • SimCity, video game series: https://www.ea.com/games/simcity • Rollercoaster Tycoon, video game: http://www.rollercoastertycoon.com/ • Think aloud methods for usability testing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Think_aloud_protocol • Experiential learning: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Experiential_learning • Attack of the Recyclops game background: https://peer.asee.org/board-63-development-of-a-virtual-reality-educational-game-for-waste-management-attack-of-the-recyclops • Sketchup 3D modeling software: https://www.sketchup.com/ • Unity game development engine: https://unity3d.com/ • Oculus Rift virtual reality platform: https://www.oculus.com/rift/ • HTC Vive: https://www.vive.com/us/product/vive-virtual-reality-system/ • City of Austin composting program: https://austintexas.gov/austincomposts • City of Austin game development incentives: http://www.austintexas.gov/department/film-digital-media-production-incentives • Auti-Sim, Autism simulator game: http://www.gamesforchange.org/game/auti-sim/ • Civilization, video game: https://civilization.com/ • Magic Leap, company with augmented reality technology: https://www.magicleap.com/ • Dr. Steve Ayer, Arizona State University: https://ssebe.engineering.asu.edu/2018/08/steven-ayer/ Our closing music is “Yes And” by Steve Combs, used under a Creative Commons Attribution License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Subscribe and find more podcast information at: http://www.k12engineering.net. Support Pios Labs with regular donations on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pioslabs, or send one-time contributions by buying us coffee: https://ko-fi.com/pioslabs. Thanks to our donors and listeners for making the show possible. The K12 Engineering Education Podcast is a production of Pios Labs: http://www.pioslabs.com.