Educational Gaming and Use for Explaining Alternative Energy Technologies

Kenneth A. Ritter; Terrence L. Chambers

doi:10.31686/ijier.vol2.iss3.154

Authors

Kenneth A. Ritter

University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USA
Terrence L. Chambers

University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol2.iss3.154

Abstract

Raising awareness of energy issues to high school students using traditional teaching methods can be tedious and unproductive. However, letting a high school student engage in an interactive 3D game can not only stimulate general interest but can also captivate and educate. During 2013, several demonstrations were given in a virtual reality lab at the University of Louisiana that explained solar thermal power concepts and other alternative energy technologies. These were given on three 150 inch screens in a concave design, immersing the user in a 3D educational experience. Several software technologies were used in the creation of the game, the main ones being Solidworks, 3ds Max Design, and Unity 3D. The scene of the game was constructed using a scale model of the Cleco Alternative Energy Center in Crowley, Louisiana. This paper gives a literary review of educational games and explains the design process of the interactive 3D game and the educational experience from demonstrations during 2013.

Author Biographies

Kenneth A. Ritter, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USA

College of Engineering
Terrence L. Chambers, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, USA

College of Engineering

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