Marine debris awareness improvement using immersive virtual reality

Improving awareness of marine debris could lead to large scale benefits. However, existing marine debris awareness approaches can often be limited in engagement. A more interactive and innovative educational method is needed to increase engagement and action. In this study, we use an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) approach and assess the efficacy and effectiveness of this approach. Three marine debris-related VR modules were developed. To validate the performance VR approach, we compared VR with traditional video-based education. Efficacy measured simulation sickness, system usability, and user experience; effectiveness evaluated knowledge gained and motivation. Twenty-five students were recruited in the study and randomly allocated into two groups. Within the current sample, the developed VR educational approach led to a significantly higher motivation for action and acceptable efficacy performance. These results indicate that VR-based education has the potential to lead to large scale prevention and management of marine debris.