Virtual and Augmented Reality game-based applications to Civil Engineering Education

Abstract

Gaming scenarios and virtual environments have shown beneficial results in Engineering Education. Various activities conducted in different fields demonstrate that students reveal appraisal for the integration of innovative technologies such as Virtual or Augmented Reality in the learning process. In this paper, Virtual Reality (VR) applications developed by first year students during an introductory class of the Integrated Masters in Civil Engineering are described. Additionally, two trials concerning the application of VR and Augmented Reality (AR) to Civil Engineering held at a local school (K-12 students) are also detailed. After the tests, students were surveyed and data was collected. Results and considerations are revealed in the final sections of this paper.