Immersive Virtual Reality Field Trips Facilitate Learning About Climate Change

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Educational Technology
• Climate Change Education

Background:

• Climate change education faces challenges in conveying complex environmental impacts.
• Virtual Reality (VR) offers immersive experiences that may enhance learning and engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of immersive VR as an educational tool for teaching climate change consequences, specifically ocean acidification.
• To assess knowledge gains, inquisitiveness, and attitudinal shifts regarding environmental issues post-VR exposure.

Main Methods:

• Conducted four studies: two controlled lab experiments and two field studies with over 270 participants.
• Participants experienced an immersive VR environment depicting ocean acidification.
• Pre- and post-assessments measured knowledge, inquisitiveness, and environmental attitudes; spatial navigation data was also analyzed.

Main Results:

• Immersive VR led to demonstrated knowledge gains or increased inquisitiveness about climate science across diverse participant groups.
• Participants showed more positive environmental attitudes after VR experiences.
• Greater exploration within the VR environment correlated with enhanced knowledge of ocean acidification.

Conclusions:

• Immersive VR is a viable and effective medium for environmental education, particularly for complex topics like climate change.
• VR can drive information-seeking behaviors and foster greater environmental awareness and concern.
• The spatial exploration element within VR may be a key mechanism for learning and engagement.