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The SOB Monitor: Supporting Competency-Based Assessment with Gamification (Short Paper)

Authors David Dorvekinger , Michael Heeney , Kelly Androutsopoulos

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OASIcs.ICPEC.2026.13.pdf
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  • 9 pages

Document Identifiers

Subject Classification

ACM Subject Classification
  • Applied computing → Interactive learning environments
Keywords
  • Competency-based education
  • interactive learning environments
  • assessment
  • higher education
  • computer science education
  • gamification

Metrics

Abstract

The SOB Monitor is a web-based platform that supports competency-based assessment through Student Observable Behaviours (SOBs). SOBs are defined as measurable units aligned with learning outcomes and are assessed at Threshold, Typical, and Excellent levels. The assessment strategy involves continuous assessment with multiple resubmission opportunities, allowing for real-time monitoring of student progress. It is adopted on several undergraduate Computer Science modules, including first-year Programming, Systems and Architecture, Foundations of Computing, and Design and Development of Applications. 
In this paper, we describe assessment with SOBs, the new architecture of the SOB Monitor platform, its implementation and how it supports competency-based assessment in Computer Science undergraduate modules. Gamification elements including leaderboard and rankings have been introduced to enhance student motivation, engagement and self-regulated learning within pass/fail modules.

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David Dorvekinger, Michael Heeney, and Kelly Androutsopoulos. The SOB Monitor: Supporting Competency-Based Assessment with Gamification (Short Paper). In 7th International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2026). Open Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs), Volume 145, pp. 13:1-13:9, Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik (2026) https://doi.org/10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2026.13

Author Details

David Dorvekinger
  • Department of Computer Science, Middlesex University, London, UK
Michael Heeney
  • Department of Computer Science, Middlesex University, London, UK
Kelly Androutsopoulos
  • Department of Computer Science, Middlesex University, London, UK

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