Mecagenius : An Innovative Learning Game for Mechanical Engineering.

Abstract

The present paper provides a description of Mecagenius, a learning game to teach mechanical engineering at an engineering faculty. Firstly, the Mecagenius game and learning content are introduced before practical ways of integrating this application in educational activities are explored in relation to the skills the teacher seeks to transmit knowledge. This is followed by a review of the literature on the educational effectiveness of serious games. Secondly, the learning game experience of Mecagenius on a course is reported, providing evaluations from both students and teachers. Interviews with teacher and students together with the collected computer records allow for an assessment of the advantages and drawbacks of teaching and learning with this kind of tool.Through a qualitative analysis of students’ game reports, the different strategies used in this educational environment are assessed.