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This paper explores the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as an innovative tool for environmental education, focusing on manatee conservation and awareness of broader ecological issues. Two VR simulations - Twizzlers2023 and Dumplin2024, were developed to immerse users in the life and plight of manatees, highlighting the impact of boat collisions and nutrient pollution respectively. With pre- and post-study surveys, gameplay telemetry, and qualitative feedback, the study’s results demonstrate significant improvements in participants understanding of manatee-related issues and environmental challenges after playing the simulations. High ratings for presence, immersion, and usability indicated that VR provided a deeply engaging educational experience. The simulations effectively engaged users by fostering emotional connections through gamified elements, such as naming avatars, completing tasks, and interacting with manatee companions. Feedback suggested enhancements in avatar customization, realism, and interaction complexity to further improve engagement. Overall, this study supports VR’s potential to increase environmental awareness and motivate real-world conservation actions through immersive, emotionally resonant experiences.

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Immersive Conservation: Leveraging Virtual Manatees to Promote Manatee Conservation Awareness Among K12 Students

  • 会议论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • Tania Roy,
  • Alexander Wills,
  • Andrey Skripnikov,
  • Athena Rycyk

摘要

This paper explores the use of Virtual Reality (VR) as an innovative tool for environmental education, focusing on manatee conservation and awareness of broader ecological issues. Two VR simulations - Twizzlers2023 and Dumplin2024, were developed to immerse users in the life and plight of manatees, highlighting the impact of boat collisions and nutrient pollution respectively. With pre- and post-study surveys, gameplay telemetry, and qualitative feedback, the study’s results demonstrate significant improvements in participants understanding of manatee-related issues and environmental challenges after playing the simulations. High ratings for presence, immersion, and usability indicated that VR provided a deeply engaging educational experience. The simulations effectively engaged users by fostering emotional connections through gamified elements, such as naming avatars, completing tasks, and interacting with manatee companions. Feedback suggested enhancements in avatar customization, realism, and interaction complexity to further improve engagement. Overall, this study supports VR’s potential to increase environmental awareness and motivate real-world conservation actions through immersive, emotionally resonant experiences.