Title: The enduring impact of gamification on software engineering students' engagement

Authors: Mohammed Akour; Mamdouh Alenezi

Addresses: Software Engineering Department, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 11586, Saudi Arabia ' Software Engineering Department, Prince Sultan University, Riyadh 11586, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Gamification has gained recognition as a powerful strategy to enhance student engagement and motivation in education. This study explores the long-lasting effects of gamification on the sustained interest of software engineering students. Over the course of an entire semester, we conducted a comprehensive longitudinal study to examine the experiences of a cohort of software engineering students exposed to gamified learning environments. Our research employed a multifaceted approach, combining surveys, student records, and quantitative and qualitative analyses. Through this investigation, we uncover valuable insights into the enduring influence of gamification on students' engagement and interest in the field of software engineering. By shedding light on these findings, our research contributes to a deeper understanding of the profound impact gamification can have on students' educational journey in software engineering.

Keywords: gamification; software engineering; long-term effects; student engagement; sustained interest.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2025.145310

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2025 Vol.17 No.2, pp.158 - 173

Received: 02 Jan 2024
Accepted: 15 Jan 2024
Published online: 31 Mar 2025 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article