Across schools and universities, learning is no longer confined to classrooms. Teachers are increasingly turning to gamified learning tools that blend technology, physical movement, and teamwork.
The TurfHunt app, developed by Locatify, makes it easy to transform any space — a campus, a park, or a city — into an engaging learning environment.
Used by educators across Europe, Asia, and the US, TurfHunt helps students learn by doing, connecting theory with experience through location-based challenges and interactive storytelling.
Universities: Turning Orientation into Adventure
Several universities have discovered that introducing students to a new environment works best through play.
At Stavanger University in Norway and Linnaeus University in Sweden, teachers created campus treasure hunts to help new students explore buildings and meet classmates.
At Wayne State College (USA), the app became part of a student welcome event for 75 freshmen:
“We did our treasure hunt for 75 students and they loved it. I’m looking forward to creating more events like this!”
— Angie Stenger, Wayne State College
These experiences demonstrate how TurfHunt fosters connection and belonging from day one.
Schools: Bringing Lessons Outdoors
Teachers like Erik Rydmark, a PE instructor at Kunskapsgymnasiet in Sweden, have integrated TurfHunt into physical education and outdoor lessons:
“It’s a great tool — I recommend it to all my colleagues.”
For him, the app’s simplicity and flexibility make it a valuable part of daily teaching.
Students move between checkpoints, complete challenges, and collaborate on tasks that reinforce learning in physical education as well as subjects like geography, biology, or language.
At Nord University (Norway), a group of future educators went further, using TurfHunt as part of a study on pedagogical innovation. Their findings showed that location-based learning improves motivation, cooperation, and contextual understanding.
“We discovered that the students were positive about using TurfHunt to learn theory. It motivates, activates, and helps them connect learning to the real world.”
Outdoor Learning for Public Health and Motivation
TurfHunt has also been part of international programs that connect education, well-being, and the environment.
One example is TeachOUT, a European-funded project developed in collaboration with Norsk Friluftsliv and several other partners.
The initiative encouraged schools across Europe to adopt outdoor learning methods aligned with national health and sustainability goals.
This approach shows that gamification in education is not only about engagement but also supports physical activity, creativity, and mental well-being.
Cultural Learning Beyond the Classroom
The app’s versatility makes it useful for libraries, museums, and study-abroad programs too.
At Vellinge Library (Sweden), educators created children’s literature-themed treasure hunts, bringing storytelling to life for young readers.
In Kyoto, Japan, the CIEE High School Summer Abroad program used TurfHunt to help students explore the city while developing teamwork and cultural awareness:
“The platform gave our students a unique way to explore the city, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and cultural immersion. It was easy to use, fun, and perfectly aligned with our goals.”
— Riyana, Program Coordinator, CIEE Kyoto
The Impact of Gamified Learning
Educators consistently report the same outcomes: more engagement, collaboration, and joy in learning.
TurfHunt makes lessons experiential and inclusive, removing barriers between theory and real-world application.
Students gain confidence, develop problem-solving skills, and discover that learning can happen anywhere — not just behind a desk.
From university orientations to outdoor lessons and library trails, TurfHunt empowers teachers to bring education to life through play, curiosity, and technology.
By combining location-based interaction with creativity, it offers a simple yet powerful way to turn learning into an adventure.
