From Campus to Real-World Contexts: Transforming Higher Education with GamBLe EduCache

This paper presents GamBLe EduCache, an innovative educational initiative that integrates geocaching and gamification elements into university teaching. The project supports first-year students while promoting active learning and interdisciplinary engagement. Students analyze materials and processes at industrial and historical sites through cache-based activities, enhancing their digital competencies via a digital learning platform while supplementing traditional coursework with practical, location-based experiences. The project operates on two levels: providing structured learning opportunities for first-year students through pre-designed caches, and engaging advanced students in creating their own educational caches. The gamification approach incorporates competitive elements to motivate teamwork and active participation. Initial evaluation results show positive outcomes, with high rates of reported learning success and strong support for the gamification approach. Through partnerships with museums and archives, GamBLe EduCache creates a broader educational network that bridges academic theory with practical heritage work while making materials available as OER.