Gamification Design Framework to Support Multi-Agent Systems Theory Classes

Nowadays, gamification, or the use of game elements in serious activities, is applied to enhance engagement and to improve user’s outcomes. On another note, the teaching of core concepts about Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) - such as distribution, autonomy, and interaction - is mostly performed by means of traditional theory classroom dynamics. Our claim is that MAS theory classes could be enhanced with gamified activities so that students can experience theoretical concepts in fun hands-on activities. Nevertheless, the design of the gamified classes requires the support of a suitable Gamification Design Framework (GDF) oriented to learning. This work analyses different GDFs and proposes an extension of one of the most widely used. This extension provides further support because it considers social computing in education when proposing an additional design stage along with alternative technologies such as ARS (Audience Response Systems) and LSP (Lego Serious Play). Furthermore, we illustrate its applicability by means of a case study of gamified activities in a multi-agent systems classroom.