Use of Computer Simulation Games for Instructional and Recruiting Purposes in Middle School and Jr. High Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) 2010

The 2010 Summer RET program at the University of Arkansas provided an opportunity for two public school teachers to conduct further research in the area of using computer simulation games for instructional purposes as well as for the recruitment of potential industrial engineering students. Emphasis was placed on how industrial engineering concepts could be explored through the use of a simulation game that would provide a high interest classroom project based upon sound curriculum. The challenge for the project was to refine an academic competition involving a simulation-based video game relating to Industrial Engineering. The project was divided into 2 divisions, one for junior level students in grades 6 – 8 and one for senior level students in grades 9 – 12. Obviously, a major issue was designing the competitions with a proper level of difficulty for both age groups while keeping the subject matter relevant to meaningful engineering concepts and instructional frameworks. The competitions were intended to help students acquire fundamental problem solving capabilities as well as a basic understanding of some tools used in Industrial Engineering and logistics. This project was completed under the leadership of two mentoring professors: Dr. Richard Cassady and Dr. Ed Pohl, who provided guidance and also secured funding necessary to support the implementation of the competition by providing the necessary supplies through the support of Dr. Russell Meller, director of the Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution at the University of Arkansas.