{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,19]],"date-time":"2026-03-19T15:43:22Z","timestamp":1773935002837,"version":"3.50.1"},"reference-count":65,"publisher":"Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)","issue":"2","funder":[{"name":"FCT\u2014Funda\u00e7\u00e3o para a Ci\u00eancia e Tecnologia within the R&D Unit Project Scope"},{"name":"Centro ALGORITMI","award":["UID\/00319\/2025"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["UID\/00319\/2025"]}]},{"name":"CLU,","award":["UID\/00022\/2025"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["UID\/00022\/2025"]}]},{"name":"CEHUM","award":["UID\/00305\/2025"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["UID\/00305\/2025"]}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":["dl.acm.org"],"crossmark-restriction":true},"short-container-title":["ACM Trans. Comput. Educ."],"published-print":{"date-parts":[[2026,6,30]]},"abstract":"<jats:p>\n                    <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">Objectives<\/jats:italic>\n                    . Agile methodologies are crucial in software engineering and information systems (IS) development. However, traditional training methods can struggle to convey abstract theoretical concepts effectively and may lead to reduced engagement. We propose that combining several learning methodologies and incorporating serious games and gamification strategies in training can offer a more innovative and engaging approach to improve comprehension. This article outlines a game-based learning strategy designed to instruct information systems students in agile development. Our approach is rooted in active learning principles, incorporating methodologies such as problem\/project-based learning, microlearning, collaborative learning, and learning by doing. The course design unfolds in two phases. Initially, participants delve into short, serious games that vividly demonstrate theoretical concepts, followed by brief moments of theoretical exposition. In the subsequent phase, participants apply all the knowledge they have acquired through an extensive project. To illustrate and evaluate the overall process, this approach was implemented to teach Scrum in several training courses.\n                    <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">Participants<\/jats:italic>\n                    . The participants in this study were information technology and systems students at different academic levels.\n                    <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">Study Method<\/jats:italic>\n                    . The research model adopted in this work is based on the Design Science Research (DSR) method. Adhering to the DSR method, the study advanced through distinct phases: recognizing the challenge of engaging Agile Development education, formulating a solution with a course design that blends game-based learning and diverse learning methodologies, developing the course artifact, practically implementing it with Scrum with several groups in different contexts, and assessing its effectiveness using pre- and post-course quizzes. The course aimed to instruct participants in agile methods within information system development.\n                    <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">Findings<\/jats:italic>\n                    . Feedback from the courses was clearly positive, with participants expressing a preference for the proposed game-based approach over traditional expository lecture methods. Pre- and post-course knowledge quizzes revealed a noteworthy increase in correct answers and overall scores in the end.\n                    <jats:italic toggle=\"yes\">Conclusions<\/jats:italic>\n                    . The novelty lies in an integrated approach that combines multiple active learning methodologies\u2014such as game-based learning, microlearning, collaborative learning, project-based learning, and learning by doing\u2014to facilitate the comprehension of theoretical concepts through practical application.\u00a0\n                  <\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.1145\/3786758","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,12,26]],"date-time":"2025-12-26T14:20:09Z","timestamp":1766758809000},"page":"1-26","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1145\/crossmark-policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Game-Based Learning for Information Systems\u00a0Agile Development"],"prefix":"10.1145","volume":"26","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-4303-3908","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Jo\u00e3o","family":"Varaj\u00e3o","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"School of Engineering, ALGORITMI Research Center, University of Minho, Guimar\u00e3es, Portugal"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-5923-9257","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Micaela","family":"Aguiar","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Faculty of Arts and Humanities, CLUP, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-4235-9700","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Miguel A.","family":"Brito","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"School of Engineering, ALGORITMI Research Center, University of Minho, Guimar\u00e3es, Portugal"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-4321-4511","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"S\u00edlvia","family":"Ara\u00fajo","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"School of Arts and Humanities, CEHUM, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal"}]}],"member":"320","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,3,19]]},"reference":[{"key":"e_1_3_1_2_1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.4314\/njt.v34i4.16"},{"issue":"2","key":"e_1_3_1_3_1","first-page":"267","article-title":"Exploring the pedagogical aspects of microlearning in educational settings: A systematic literature review","volume":"20","author":"Alias N. 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