Successful implementation of user-centered game based learning in higher education: An example from civil engineering

Goal: The use of an online game for learning in higher education aims to make complex theoretical knowledge more approachable. Permanent repetition will lead to a more in-depth learning. Objective: To gain insight into whether and to what extent, online games have the potential to contribute to student learning in higher education. Experimental Setting: The online game was used for the first time during a lecture on Structural Concrete at Master’s level, involving 121 seventh semester students. Methods: Pretest/posttest experimental control group design with questionnaires and an independent online evaluation. Results: The minimum learning result of playing the game was equal to that achieved with traditional methods. A factor called “joy” was introduced, according to Nielsen (2002), which was amazingly high. Conclusion: The experimental findings support the efficacy of game playing. Students enjoyed this kind of e-Learning.