Integrating Serious Games and Gamification for Diverse Learner Groups: Lessons from the “GeoGecko” Project

Abstract

The “GeoGecko” project stands as an innovative effort in both technical and educational advancements, focusing on creating educational materials grounded in experiential learning principles with a strong gamification framework. This report provides a detailed account of the project’s development, leveraging e-learning components to create an engaging and immersive online program specifically designed to meet the expectations and needs of today’s high school and university students. Through a structured methodology, the study implemented gamified learning elements to assess their effectiveness. In addition to describing the development of the project, it also examines the teaching methods applied and the outcomes observed. Drawing on feedback from learners, the report highlights the program’s practical impact, effectiveness, and the lessons learned during its implementation. Results indicate that the platform successfully enhances student motivation, with higher engagement levels observed among younger participants compared to older learners. By sharing these insights, the “GeoGecko” project aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on integrating serious games and gamification into education.