Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are emerging technologies with a variety of potential benefits for sustainability education. Here, learning processes such as flow and presence seem to determine the learning experience. Therefore, this paper presents the results of a mixed-methods study investigating a VR- and AR-based learning application on biodiversity developed by greenpeace. A total of 156 students tested the application addressing the Amazon rainforest and rated its efficacy in terms of effects on knowledge, interest, and attitude. Pre- and post-questionnaires as well as focus groups were used to uncover within-subject effects. The study results revealed that flow and presence had a moderating effect on knowledge and that this effect is strongest in learners with little prior knowledge. Presence also showed a moderating effect on one of three attitude measures. In general, the learning application was able to increase knowledge and improve attitude in this sample. The focus groups also revealed that the students engaged with environmental topics even after the experience. They also formed ideas for more environmentally friendly behavioral change. Moreover, the students described the application as impressive, captivating, and realistic. It can be concluded that presence and flow are crucial processes for learning with VR and AR technologies.

One discussion in the context of education for sustainable development centers around the importance of suitable teaching materials for promoting pro-environmental attitudes. Especially applications that let learners travel to otherwise difficult to reach places seem promising for digital sustainability education that is both accessible and socially just. Applications for German-speaking learners are however rare, and it has often not been checked whether those that exist are fit for classroom use. Therefore, this paper focuses on an investigation of the Virtual Reality (VR) learning application "On Biodiversity’s Tracks", developed by greenpeace, with a focus on the environment of the Amazon rainforest. In an experimental study, (1) VR-based and (2) traditional lesson conditions were compared in terms of their effects on self-appraisal of knowledge, interest, and attitude. Pre- and post-questionnaires were used to uncover between-subject and within-subject effects. 172 students at eight secondary schools in Germany were recruited. The results revealed that both experimental conditions were effective regarding increase of self-appraised knowledge. An increase in interest was barely found in either condition. Changes at the attitudinal level could mostly not be discovered. Further analyses highlighted that, unlike the experimental conditions, there were significant differences in self-rated learning outcomes between the types of schools. In general, our results indicate that VR learning applications can contribute to the teaching of topics such as sustainability and biodiversity in a target group-oriented and meaningful way. However, further research is needed to adequately assess VR learning effectiveness, especially regarding affective learning outcomes, due to their importance for sustainable behaviors of subsequent generations.

Simulation-based learning has established itself as a powerful instructional method in higher education, especially in domains that require complex interpersonal competencies such as counseling. Debriefing plays a pivotal role in transforming simulation experiences into meaningful learning by fostering critical reflection and integration of knowledge. While expert-facilitated debriefings are considered the gold standard, recent advancements in generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) have made chatbot-guided self-debriefings a scalable alternative. This study examines the effectiveness of moderated versus chatbot-supported debriefing formats following a Virtual Reality (VR)-based counseling simulation. A total of 45 undergraduate students in educational science participated in a controlled experiment. All participants engaged in a VR counseling scenario and were subsequently assigned to either a human-moderated or a chatbot-guided debriefing condition. The study investigated changes in counseling competence, self-efficacy, and learner perceptions across the two debriefing formats. Both self-efficacy and counseling competence increased significantly over time. The largest gains, particularly in counseling competence, were recorded after the debriefing, even though these gains were independent of the specific debriefing method employed. These findings underscore the importance of debriefing in educational contexts and indicate that a chatbot-based format could serve as a feasible alternative to traditional, moderator-led debriefings.

Understanding how different debriefing formats impact learner’s cognitive load is crucial for designing effective post-simulation reflection activities. This paper examines cognitive load after post-simulation debriefings facilitated either by a human instructor or a generative AI Chatbot. In a controlled study with N = 45 educational science students, 23 participants engaged in a lecturer-facilitated debriefing, while 22 completed a chatbot-guided session. Cognitive load was assessed across intrinsic, extraneous, and germane dimensions. Results revealed no statistically significant differences between the two debriefing methods. Future research should examine AI-led debriefings with larger samples and employ complementary measures of cognitive load to provide a more comprehensive understanding.