Lehigh University is enhancing environmental education through six immersive learning experiences, including virtual reality games that allow students and visitors to explore the Lehigh River and its watershed without leaving their seats. Alec M. Bodzin, a professor at Lehigh, aims to engage students who might be hesitant to venture outdoors, fostering curiosity and environmental literacy.
The virtual experiences, such as “The Lehigh Gap Story” and “Watershed Explorers,” include themes of local history, flood preparedness, and environmental issues. They can be played on desktops or headsets, combining education with engaging gameplay. A key insight from the project is that while traditional classrooms may lack the resources to support such technology, partnerships with nonformal education sites can effectively incorporate these experiences.
The project originated when Bodzin recognized students’ enthusiasm for technology-based learning during field studies. Despite challenges from the pandemic, the team adapted and implemented these games, which have been shown to increase participants’ interest in visiting the actual locations they explore virtually.
Overall, the initiative not only preserves local heritage but also promotes outdoor exploration, with players expressing desire to physically visit the sites learned about in the games. This approach highlights the evolving nature of education, emphasizing that learning can happen anywhere and anytime.
