Using video games to promote engineering careers

Abstract

Worldwide studies show that science and technology careers are not very attractive to younger students. The declining student interest in engineering careers is problematic due to the existing shortage of engineering professionals and this situation needs to be quickly improved. Initiatives setup to tackle this situation have been too focused on formal education and results were not impressive. New tools and strategies are required to address this issue in such a way that matches the interests of the youngsters. ECity is a European initiative that motivates students to follow an engineering career by giving them a basic understanding of engineering problems and tasks through a city-simulator video-game. Implementation results show that there is a correlation between the enjoyment of the game and the understanding and willingness to follow the engineering path. Results also show that the game had a higher impact in younger, basic-education students than in older, secondary education students. Therefore, this kind of initiatives should take place at an early age-level. © 2018 TEMPUS Publications.