Geocaching as a Means for Modernization of Educational Process

Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS (Global Positioning System). Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (treasure) hidden at a certain location. A hint can be used as a tool for seeking. Simple rules, variability and the chance to experience the unknown make the game more attractive for the millions of players of various age categories all over the world. It is popular especially among younger generations, therefore we were inspired to implement Geocaching in the secondary education processes to make the learning modern and attractive. The implementation is based on the transfer of Geocaching principles to the learning conditions of nowadays schools, when the geocache creation and the game realization become parts of educational process. Teacher can adjust the form and the content of geocaches according to own demands, the curriculum and school conditions. Geocaching has been divided according to our needs into three basic elements - coordinates, hint and treasure. We have processed a set of concrete proposals how to use these elements in the educational process. For better understanding we have identified 10 structural components such as number, locality, text, video, etc. which teacher can use, freely combine and apply according to own needs. Teacher can also decide which teaching strategy is the most suitable for subject or topic. One of the options is Problem-based learning in which students learn about a subject through the experience of solving an open-ended problem. This strategy was implemented in practice. We have tested our proposals on students of grammar school in freshman year. Their task was to solve set of mathematical problems using preferred procedures utilizing knowledge of the GPS and mathematics. Using the principles of the game brings to the learning process a lot of benefits such as active learning, motivation, promotion of interdisciplinary relations and much more.