Ricardo Queirós



Researching
CRACS at INESC TEC

Writing
FCA

Other positions
Distance Learning Coordinator at PIC



Hobbies


  • Running

  • Writing

  • Travel

Who am I?

I'm Ricardo Queirós, a Computer Science PhD and Adjunct Professor, with a passion for making coding education both engaging and effective. I’ve spent years researching how to make learning programming languages less of a headache — ideally even fun — by using gamification and innovative e-learning systems.


I even created a friendly playground (AGNI) to help both teachers and students navigate the world of code without losing their sanity. Plus, I organize the world’s first conference dedicated solely to teaching programming (ICPEC). With over 200 books and scientific publications under my belt, I’m serious about this mission!


When I’m not busy with work, you can find me running along the banks of the Douro River in the vibrant and beautiful city of Porto. And when I need a change of scenery, I’m off exploring new travel destinations — always up for the next adventure and with a smile on my face!

What am I researching?

 

My research interests have varied over time, but they've always had one thing in common: finding new ways to improve the teaching and learning of computer programming.

 

 

Ever since I started teaching (at ISTEC in 2003), I've understood that mastering programming is not just hard to teach—it's hard to learn too. From that moment on, I've been on the quest for the magical formula that will make everyone capable of learning how to think, fostering logical and structured reasoning, and thus giving them the foundation needed to learn how to "speak" code fluently.

Research Interests

  • Computer science education
  • E-learning systems interoperability
  • Gamification

 

Papers

Scientific production is something that's expected of university professors, but what truly drives me to write papers is the desire to keep learning and "do science". Plus, let’s be honest — there’s nothing like the thrill of chasing citations!
My publication data has been indexed across multiple bibliometric systems, such as:

 

The following list shows my publications from 2024 onward. For earlier publications, please refer to the previous mentioned bibliometric systems.

2024 Publication List
#TitleConference/JournalIndex
1 Saúde Digital - Desenvolvimento de Soluções com o Node-RED FCA -Editora de Informática -
2 Leveraging Large Language Models to Support Authoring Gamified Programming Exercises Applied Sciences Journal (MDPI) MDPI
SCOPUS
DBLP
3 GAMAI, an AI-Powered Programming Exercise Gamifier Tool Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIED 2024) Springer
SCOPUS
DBLP
4 Client-Side Gamification Engine for Enhanced Programming Learning 5th International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2024) OASics
SCOPUS
DBLP
5 Exercisify: an AI-powered Statement Evaluator 5th International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2024) OASics
SCOPUS
DBLP
6 Authoring Programming Exercises for Automated Assessment Assisted by Generative AI 5th International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2024) OASics
SCOPUS
DBLP
7 Work in Progress: Leveraging Virtual Escape Rooms for Innovative Computer Programming Learning Environments IEEE World Engineering Education Conference (EDUNINE 2024) IEEE
SCOPUS
8 Empowering Engineering Students' Math Literacy with Digital Escape Rooms IEEE World Engineering Education Conference (EDUNINE 2024) IEEE
SCOPUS
9 Reconfiguring Teacher Professionality in Higher Education in Portugal: A Case Study on Pedagogical Innovation and Hybrid Learning IEEE World Engineering Education Conference (EDUNINE 2024) IEEE
SCOPUS
10 Exploring HEIs Students' Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence on their Learning Process 5th International Conference in Electronic Engineering, Information Technology & Education (EEITE 2024) IEEE
11 HEIs teachers' and students' current experience of AI introduction in teaching and learning 5th International Conference in Electronic Engineering, Information Technology & Education (EEITE 2024) IEEE
12 Navigating the Sghifting Landscape of Teacher Professionality in Portuguese Higher Education: A Case Study EduLearn 2024 IEEE
13 FGPE - An Evolving Framework for Gamified Programming Learning International Conference on Advanced Research in Technologies, Information, Innovation and Sustainability (ARTIIS 2024) Springer
SCOPUS
DBLP
14 Enhancing Gamified LMS with the Integration of Games Experiences International Conference on Advanced Research in Technologies, Information, Innovation and Sustainability (ARTIIS 2024) Springer
SCOPUS
DBLP

 

Projects

My research blends the world of computer science education with gamification, proving that learning can be both effective and enjoyable.
From cracking codes to crafting engaging e-learning experiences, I'm on a mission to level up education — one project at a time.

 

 

Below, you'll find a list of all international projects that I was (or I am) involved:
International projects
YearNameFundingStatus
2024-2026 Deep tech FCT TO DO
2024-2026 INOV-NORTE (Digital Hub) EU-PRR Doing
2023-2025 FGPE++ Erasmus+ Doing
2022-2024 RED DGE Doing
2022-2024 MATH-DIGGER Erasmus+ Done
2021-2023 Juez LTI Erasmus+ Done
2021-2023 FGPE+ Erasmus+ Done
2021-2023 ATHENA EU Done
2020-2022 MrUD Erasmus+ Done
2019-2021 FGPE Erasmus+ Done
2013-2014 Ensemble IPP-PIPED Done
2012-2014 EduJudge EU-LLP Done
2005-2007 Gegi ADI Done

 

What am I writing?

 

When I'm not exploring the world of computer science education and gamification, I’m busy weaving words into books. Writing is one of my greatest passions, whether I'm authoring, editing, or both!

 

 

Next, you’ll find a the current status regarding my published works:

  • Books: 12
  • Edited Books: 12
  • Proceedings Books: 5
  • Thesis: 1

The following list reflects all the books I have written and edited, both individually and in collaboration with colleagues.

Saúde Digital: Desenvolvimento de Soluções com o Node-RED

Authors: Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: FCA

Year: 2024

Link: official site

Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Education: Enhancing Teaching Practices for Future Learning

Authors: Ricardo Queirós, Mário Cruz and Daniela Mascarenhas

Publisher: IGI GLOBAL

Year: 2024

Link: official site

4th International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2023)

Authors: Ricardo Queirós and Mário Pinto

Publisher: OASIcs

Year: 2023

Link: official site

Fostering Pedagogy Through Micro and Adaptive Learning in Higher Education: Trends, Tools, and Applications

Authors: Ricardo Queirós, Mário Cruz, Carla Pinto and Daniela Mascarenhas

Publisher: IGI-GLOBAL

Year: 2023

Link: official site

Exploring the Convergence of Computer and Medical Science Through Cloud Healthcare

Authors: Ricardo Queirós, Bruno Cunha and Xavier Fonseca

Publisher: IGI-GLOBAL

Year: 2023

Link: official site

Gamificação Aplicada às Organizações e ao Ensino

Authors: Ricardo Queirós e Mário Pinto

Publisher: FCA

Year: 2022

Link: official site

Emerging Advancements for Virtual and Augmented Reality in Healthcare

Authors: Luis Coelho, Ricardo Queirós and Sara Reis

Publisher: IGI-GLOBAL

Year: 2022

Link: official site

Digital Therapies in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health

Authors: António Marques and Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: IGI-GLOBAL

Year: 2022

Link: official site

Next-Generation Applications and Implementations of Gamification Systems

Authors: Filipe Portela and Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: IGI-GLOBAL

Year: 2022

Link: official site

10th Symposium on Languages, Applications and Technologies (SLATE 2021)

Authors: Ricardo Queirós, Mário Pinto, Alberto Simões, Filipe Portela and Maria João Pereira

Publisher: OASIcs

Year: 2021

Link: official site

Second International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2021)

Authors: Pedro Rangel Henriques, Filipe Portela, Ricardo Queirós and Alberto Simões

Publisher: OASIcs

Year: 2021

Link: official site

Handbook of Research on Solving Modern Healthcare Challenges With Gamification

Authors: Ricardo Queirós and António Marques

Publisher: IGI-GLOBAL

Year: 2021

Link: official site

9th Symposium on Languages, Applications and Technologies (SLATE 2020)

Authors: Alberto Simões, Pedro Rangel Henriques and Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: OASics

Year: 2020

Link: official site

Desenvolvimento Avançado para a Web

Authors: Ricardo Queirós and Filipe Portela

Publisher: FCA

Year: 2020

Link: official site

First International Computer Programming Education Conference (ICPEC 2020)

Authors: Ricardo Queirós, Filipe Portela, Mário Pinto and Alberto Simões

Publisher: OASics

Year: 2020

Link: official site

Code Generation, Analysis Tools, and Testing for Quality

Authors: Ricardo Queirós, Alberto Simões and Mário Pinto

Publisher: IGI GLOBAL

Year: 2019

Link: official site

Introdução ao Desenvolvimento Moderno para a Web

Authors: Filipe Portela and Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: FCA

Year: 2018

Link: official site

Android Profissional - Desenvolvimento Moderno de Aplicações

Authors: Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: FCA

Year: 2018

Link: official site

Emerging Trends, Techniques, and Tools for Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Management

Authors: Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: IGI-GLOBAL

Year: 2018

Link: official site

Criação Rápida de Sites Responsivos com o Bootstrap

Authors: Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: FCA

Year: 2017

Link: official site

Gamification-Based E-Learning Strategies for Computer Programming Education

Authors: Ricardo Queirós and Mário Pinto

Publisher: IGI-GLOBAL

Year: 2017

Link: official site

Android - Desenvolvimento de Aplicações com Android Studio

Authors: Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: FCA

Year: 2016

Link: official site

Android - Bases de Dados e Geolocalização

Authors: Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: FCA

Year: 2016

Link: official site

Innovative Teaching Strategies and New Learning Paradigms in Computer Programming

Authors: Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: IGI-GLOBAL

Year: 2015

Link: official site

Introdução ao Desenvolvimento de Jogos em Android

Authors: Ricardo Queirós and Alberto Simões

Publisher: FCA

Year: 2015

Link: official site

Desenvolvimento de Aplicações Profissionais em Android

Authors: Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: FCA

Year: 2014

Link: official site

Android - Introdução ao Desenvolvimento de Aplicações

Authors: Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: FCA

Year: 2013

Link: official site

Innovations in XML Applications and Metadata Management: Advancing Technologies

Authors: José Carlos Ramalho, Alberto Simões and Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: IGI-GLOBAL

Year: 2013

Link: official site

Programação para Dispositivos Móveis em Windows Mobile 6

Authors: Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: FCA

Year: 2008

Link: official site

Edição estrutural de documentos XML sobre a Web

Authors: Ricardo Queirós

Publisher: lulu

Year: 2004

Link: official site

Where am I running?

 

I started running back in 2012, and now I casually knock out 10ks, half-marathons, and marathons. Oh, and I’ve already conquered 16 marathons — because, apparently, I don’t know when to stop!

 

 

Here’s a list of my times:

 

Marathon (16)
Event 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Porto - - - - 3:39:01 3:18:06 3:07:36 3:21:34 3:19:46 4:07:11 3:47:50 3:46:13 next
Aveiro - - - - - - - 3:31:47 - 3:20:00 3:37:02 3:44:24 3:28:24
Madrid - - - - - - 3:48:40 - - - - - -
Seville - - - - - - - - - - - - 3:23:33
Gerês - - - - - - - - - - - 4:11:16 -

 

Half-Marathon (27)
Event 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Porto - 1:56:42 1:51:00 - 1:43:59 1:34:45 1:32:21 1:29:22 1:32:00 - 1:36:42 1:37:05 1:34:38
D'Ouro Run (Gondomar) - - - - - 1:46:00 1:36:28 1:33:32 - - - 1:35:33 1:40:23
Viana - - - - - - - - 1:31:00 - - - 1:31:33
Douro Verde - - - - - - - - - - 1:31:22 - 1:46:17
Seville - - - - - - - - - - - 1:32:02 -
Famalicão - - - - - 1:34:16 - - - - - - -
Esposende - - - - - - 1:36:17 - - - 1:33:26 - -
Douro Vinhateiro - - - - - - - 1:35:24 - - - - -
Barcelos - - - - - - - 1:30:29 - - - - -
Matosinhos - - - - - - - - - - 1:32:33 - -

 

10k (26)
Event 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Corrida do Pai - 51:00 50:43 52:13 49:22 44:47 40:32 40:27 - - 40:54 40:52 42:42
Leixões - - - - - 43:07 40:50 40:47 - - - - -
S. Silvestre (Porto) 53:19 - 52:53 - 45:57 1:00:00 - - - - - - -
Mar - - 46:03 - - 46:46 - - - - - - -
Marginal VdC - - 47:14 - - - - - 39:26 - - - -
Urban Run VdC - - - - - - 48:53 - - - - - -
S. Pedro - - 44:33 - - - - - - - - - -
Fernanda Ribeiro - - - - - - - 42:18 - - - - -
Nau VdC - - - - - - - 40:30 - - - - -
Shamir (Porto) - - - - - - - - - - - - 44:04