Track: Engineering Education

Abstract

An age-old problem facing higher education institutes is the verification that the knowledge taught in class was actually learnt and internalized. Many consider that the quality of education is to be measured on this basis. Historically, institutions have developed knowledge assessment mechanisms and resources which are aligned with the type of knowledge being transferred. Yet, in many cases, the time-bound nature of these assessments, the broader applicability of available resources, as well as the lack of appropriate opportunities (to learn from failure) can result in certain knowledge retention abilities instead of genuine understanding and life-long learning. The importance of dealing with this problem is further highlighted when considering generation Y and Z students who, unlike most of their lecturers, have spent most their life exposed to the internet, mobile applications and other technologies. Although several literature resources and commercial software packages deal with elements of this problem through gamification and education dashboards, a holistic system is yet to be proposed. This article consolidates the various needs of high school students, undergraduate students, lecturers and industry sponsors using system analysis and engineering tools. These inputs were used to prototype a gamified web based platform providing work & networking opportunities and linked mobile application that help provide continuous learning & assessment. A small-scale pilot was conducted ahead of the SAIIE 27 conference to solicit feedback.