This paper presents an integer programming (IP) model for solving an online energy supply game. Instead of a traditional approach in which students are given a problem statement and asked to develop an IP model, both the problem and data are hidden in the game. The energy supply game can be used to illustrate many mathematical programming concepts including blending constraints, multiobjective programming, and the branch-and-bound method. In addition to developing IP modeling skills, students become familiar with the properties of several energy supply systems. The results of two experiments and the related evaluation questionnaires indicate that the game component motivates students more to build IP models as compared to classic approaches.

This paper presents an Integer Programming (IP) model for solving an online energy supply game. Instead of a traditional approach in which students are given a problem statement and asked to develop an IP model, both the problem and data are hidden in the game. Next to developing IP modeling skills, students also become familiar with the properties of several energy supply systems. A classroom experiment proves that the game component, together with the use of a current topic such as energy supply, motivates students more to build IP models when compared to classical approaches.