Title: Enhancing environmental education through virtual reality: a case study in primary marine ecology learning

Authors: Hsuan-Che Yang

Addresses: Department of Information Management, Chihlee University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan

Abstract: This study uses virtual reality technology to create digital teaching materials for primary school students on marine ecology and environmental education. These materials enhance learning motivation while conveying information about endangered marine organisms. Through an immersive VR diving experience, students can observe the habits and threats faced by these creatures. The study includes four games that focus on ecological issues and pollution along Taiwan's east and west coasts, developed in collaboration with an elementary school in Danshui using the ADDIE instructional design model. A pre-test was conducted before introducing the VR system to evaluate progress in two classes. Results showed that the class using the VR system improved more in the post-test than the one receiving the traditional way. Although the improvement was not statistically significant, feedback from both students and teachers indicated a positive response, suggesting that this approach benefits students with weaker foundational knowledge.

Keywords: virtual reality; Meta Quest 2; environmental education; marine ecology; instructional design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWGS.2025.150164

International Journal of Web and Grid Services, 2025 Vol.21 No.3/4, pp.356 - 383

Received: 27 Oct 2024
Accepted: 02 Apr 2025
Published online: 02 Dec 2025 *

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