Games and simulations and the future of engineering: Engaging high school students in global challenges.

Abstract

Games and simulations have long been recognized for their enjoyable and educational benefits. We hope to add the descriptor “inspirational” to those attributes. The role of computer science departments in revitalizing engineering education and increasing the pipeline of undergraduate students for scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical (STEM) majors and careers is significant and can provide students with opportunities to integrate their knowledge. The Global Challenge project is building a digital “world game” space that integrates telecommunications and computational science tools and challenges young people to solve complex problems like global warming through creative, entrepreneurial ideas generated through collaborative international teamwork. This paper outlines the vision, rationale, methods, and tool types needed for the world game and discusses the future prospects for computer science and other departments in colleges of engineering to help inspire high school students to consider technological careers through game-like engagement in socially relevant interdisciplinary STEM learning.