The SOB Monitor: supporting competency-based assessment with gamification

Conference paper

Dorvekinger, D., Heeney, M. and Androutsopoulos, K. 2026. The SOB Monitor: supporting competency-based assessment with gamification. 7th International Computer Programming Education Conference. Guimarães, Portugal 11 - 12 Jun 2026 Schloss Dagstuhl- Leibniz-Zentrum fur Informatik GmbH. pp. 13:1-13:9 https://doi.org/10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2026.13
TypeConference paper
TitleThe SOB Monitor: supporting competency-based assessment with gamification
AuthorsDorvekinger, D., Heeney, M. and Androutsopoulos, K.
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.

KeywordsCompetency-based education; interactive learning environments; assessment; higher education; computer science education; gamification
Sustainable Development Goals4 Quality education
Middlesex University ThemeCreativity, Culture & Enterprise
Conference7th International Computer Programming Education Conference
Page range13:1-13:9
Proceedings Title7th International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2026)
SeriesOpen Access Series in Informatics (OASIcs)
ISSN2190-6807
ISBN9783959774437
PublisherSchloss Dagstuhl- Leibniz-Zentrum fur Informatik GmbH
Publication dates
Print22 Jul 2026
Publication process dates
Accepted2026
Deposited27 Jul 2026
Output statusPublished
Publisher's version
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File Access Level
Open
Copyright Statement

License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.4230/OASIcs.ICPEC.2026.13
Web address (URL) of conference proceedingshttps://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/volume/OASIcs-volume-145
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File access level: Open

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