MeriCOIN: Enhancing Motivation and Continuous Learning in Computer Engineering Students through 3D Printed Rewards

This research-to-practice full paper describes a case study conducted at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Sistemas Informáticos at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, within the subject of Software Engineering Fundamentals. In this study, physical rewards, called MeriCOINs, were introduced as a way to gamify the subject. These rewards were progressively awarded to incentivize students throughout the course. These MeriCOINs were given as prizes within educational games and multiplechoice exam simulations presented as contests through the Wooclap tool. Students could use these MeriCOINs as part of the course process for queue advancement and late submissions. A notable improvement in student motivation and performance was achieved according to the perceptions of both students and teachers. A process for manufacturing and editing MeriCOINs using sustainable and low-cost processes was designed, which not only allow for easy and inexpensive implementation of the rewards but also establish them as a valid educational approach that can be replicated in different courses and contexts.