Gam-mate: Gamification Applied to an Undergrad Discrete Math Course

One of the most important aspects of achieving meaningful learning is student motivation. In this sense, gamification techniques have been very effective in the teaching and learning process. This paper describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of Gam-Mate, a gamification online tool designed by an interdisciplinary team of Physics, Math, and Computer Sciences professors of the Tecnológico de Monterrey. Some Gam-Mate components are briefly described, including recognition badges and awards that can be redeemed by the students. Results derived from the application of Gam-Mate in a Discrete Mathematics course with 24 freshman engineering students are presented, as well as student perception surveys. It was found that the use of the tool favored the understanding of main course concepts as compared with a control group. Perception surveys answered by the students indicate that they liked the incorporation of ludic elements in their learning process.