Assessing modelling readiness in a games environment

Abstract

Potential university students have to prove readiness to acquire modeling competence if they get enrolled in an Information Systems (IS) program. University admission is generally based on scores acquired in pre-university education and based on conventional assessment which puts the students in stress and panic where they cannot perform to their full potential. In this paper, games based assessment which can be considered a type of stealth assessment is proposed to assess the modeling readiness. A player in a game performs in a natural setting that helps proper evaluation. The paper presents conventional readiness assessment scenarios, maps them to a number of games scenarios which are then developed into a game. The game addresses readiness levels related to modeling as well as other competencies. Aspects and choices related to game design are presented. The game is intended to be part of a bigger platform for assessment and assignment of students to academic programs. The game has been developed in unity and the first version tested by some students who would potentially enroll in Alexandria University, Egypt.