Augmented Reality Supported Environmental Education: A Study on Visualization of Air, Water and Soil Pollution

Abstract

Environmental pollution is one of the biggest problems of the modern world, and factors such as air, water and soil pollution pose serious threats to ecosystems and human health. Traditional environmental education methods can sometimes be inadequate in understanding abstract concepts and limit students' interest in these subjects. In this study, the use of augmented reality (AR) technology in the context of environmental education was discussed, and its effect on learning processes through the visualization of environmental problems such as air, water and soil pollution were examined. Within the scope of the study, an AR-based educational application was developed and how users perceived and learned environmental factors through this application was evaluated. The findings show that augmented reality technology conveys environmental pollution issues more effectively, increases learning motivation and develops environmental awareness. In this direction, it was concluded that AR-supported educational tools have significant potential in creating environmental awareness and achieving sustainability goals. Additionally, within the scope of this study, question-answer interviews conducted with students were analyzed and qualitative findings were presented.