UMLegend: A Gamified Learning Tool for Conceptual Modeling with UML Class Diagrams

Abstract

Conceptual modeling is a fundamental skill for analysts and software engineers, as it is necessary for abstracting concepts and expressing them in a meaningful way that can then be translated into effective software design. Conceptual modeling is taught in different Software Engineering university curricula, with Unified Modeling Language (UML) class diagram being one of the most commonly used notations for this purpose. This paper presents a proposal for the Gamification of conceptual modeling education in a university environment. We describe a tool prototype with common gamified mechanics such as experience points, levels, and customizable avatars, together with an underlying evaluation system for assessing the correctness of the diagrams modeled by the students. A preliminary assessment on existing lab assignments was performed to gauge the ability of detecting errors. We discuss the tool capability and the potential benefits that such a tool could bring, as well as envision future plans for an empirical evaluation of those benefits.