A Serious Game for Environmental Education Utilizing 3D Virtual Worlds

In today's era, where environmental concerns are escalating, educating the younger generation about these issues is paramount. The RAISE gamified learning environment introduces an innovative approach to fostering environmental awareness among school students by leveraging the capabilities of a 3D virtual world learning environment. This platform enables students to engage in immersive game scenarios that mirror real-world environmental challenges, facilitating experiential learning. Alternatively, it offers interactive sessions where students can delve into discussions about environmental sustainability, enabling them to understand and reflect on their roles in combating climate change and broader environmental issues. This initiative examines the impact of such a virtual learning environment on students' understanding of environmental issues, their engagement with the topic, and the development of proactive attitudes towards sustainability. Preliminary feedback from the implementation of the alpha version at Arsakeia Schools, involving students aged between 10 to 15 years, indicates a positive reception towards this educational approach. Ultimately, the RAISE gamified learning environment demonstrates significant potential in elevating students' understanding and engagement with environmental issues, as preliminary results from semi-structured interviews reveal insightful feedback on both the educational impact and areas for further enhancement.