Bridge Simulator with Green Technology to Enhance Critical Thinking Skills of Shipping Vocational Cadets

Abstract

The shipping industry faces challenges in environmental management, prompting the use of green technology. Maritime education must also support sustainability, with tools like the bridge simulator playing a pivotal role. This study examines how integrating green technology into a bridge simulator enhances students' critical thinking and gathers their feedback on its use. The research involved 35 fourth-semester students of Ship Operations Engineering Technology. Data were collected through observation, tests, and questionnaires. Critical thinking skills were assessed based on interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation, explanation, and self-regulation. Results showed the bridge simulator improved students' critical thinking by 74%. Integrating green technology helped students better understand ship operations, emphasizing energy efficiency and environmental awareness. It also increased students' interest in learning, especially in eco-friendly operations, and prepared them for teamwork in their future careers.