Immersive and experiential approaches in environmental outreach: a comparison of 360° video and hands-on learning

Introduction Environmental outreach aims to create opportunities for students to engage with nature, but this can be challenging when ecosystems are difficult to access. In such cases, outreach programs often rely on hands-on games and classroom-based activities to foster learning and connection. These approaches, however, cannot replicate the experience of being in the habitat itself. Extended reality (XR) applications, including immersive 360° videos, can simulate realistic experiences with the potential to increase access to important ecosystems and promote deeper connection with nature. Methods Our goal was to determine how an immersive 360° video experience impacted student learning and connectedness to nature compared to a traditional, hands-on classroom-based outreach lesson. Oyster reefs were used as a case study habitat. A 360° video experience was created and displayed through immersive virtual reality headsets. A hands-on lesson, incorporating live invertebrate animals commonly found on oyster reefs, was developed to mirror the 360° video content. Seventy-nine middle school students participated in a crossover study design. Results The 360° video experience increased student learning, and the hands-on lesson improved both learning and connectedness to nature. However, the combination of the 360° video and hands-on lesson provided the most comprehensive outreach experience. Discussion These findings offer relevant insights for educators, outreach practitioners, and environmental scientists seeking innovative ways to connect students with nature. While both outreach methods offer educational value, combining immersive virtual content with experiential hands-on opportunities provides the most effective and engaging way for students to explore important ecosystems within a classroom setting.