The effect of virtual reality technology and education on sustainable behavior: a comparative quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Purpose Sustainability is one of the global challenges, individuals and businesses need to change their behavior and consumption patterns to move towards sustainable development. This is not possible without planning for education and related knowledge transfer. On the other hand, disruptive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) have revolutionized the field of education. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of holding traditional training courses and VR-based training courses on sustainable behavior. Design/methodology/approach It is a quasi-experimental study, in which pretest-posttest design and control group are used. The statistical population includes students of one of the Iranian universities. A total of 105 students were randomly divided into two experimental groups and one control group (35 students in each group). Experimental group 1 underwent a training course using VR and Experimental group 2 received a traditional training course. At first, a pre-test was performed and after completing the eight-session period (two 1-h sessions per week), the post-test was conducted again for the groups. Findings The results of analysis of variance test show that there was a significant difference between the mean scores of sustainable behaviors in the post-test phase in the two experimental groups and the control group. Using Tukey’s test, it was found that the scores of sustainable behavior were different among three groups in pairs. That is, holding a training course as well as using VR has been effective on sustainable behavior. Environmental policymakers and planners can use technologies such as VR to teach environmental issues to create a culture of sustainability and sustainable development, in addition to training and educational courses. Originality/value Contribution of this study shows that the use of VR can be effective in learning sustainable behavior. Also, holding training courses is a way to change the consumption pattern and behavior of people to maintain the environment and sustainability.

The Influence of Competency-Based VR Learning Materials on Students’ Problem-Solving Behavioral Intentions—Taking Environmental Issues in Junior High Schools as an Example

“…Many studies [1][2][3][4][5][6] reveal virtual reality technology has demonstrated positive educational outcomes. In VR learning courses, students' use of VR teaching materials has a positive impact on their learning outcomes.…”

“…et al reveal context-based learning may effectively enable students to establish a complete problemsolving process. Many studies reveal virtual reality technology has demonstrated positive educational outcomes can engage and motivate users and potentially assist cognitive processing and knowledge transfer in some subjects [2][3][4][5][6]. Within the paper [6], authors conclude for high school students, the use of VR for subjects associated with chemistry was positive in terms of motivation and confidence since knowledge is required to handle these technologies.…”

“…The rapid development of information technology leads educators to apply advanced technologies, such as AR/VR, into competency-based learning [1][2][3][4][5][6]. In the 21st century, students need to acquire the foundation of learning processes, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, innovation, metacognition, communication, etc.…”

“…VR technology enables the possibility of making abstract concepts concrete while increasing students' engagement and motivation in the learning process [10,11]. In the paper [3] proposed by Ronaghi, M.H., it shows VR-based training courses, as well as holding traditional training courses, has been effective on sustainable behavior and has been effective in learning sustainable behavior.…”

VR-Assisted Environmental Education for Undergraduates

“…In summary, VR technology is applied in the environmental education of colleges and universities to improve environmental education [8,9]. First, it is a new means of teaching and is a useful exploration, which innovates the teaching mode of the environment.…”