Board 63: Development of a Virtual Reality Educational Game for Waste Management: Attack of the Recyclops
Fadi Castronovo, Semih S. Yilmaz, A.Vasudeva Rao, Walter Condori, Karan Monga, Hadiseh Gooranorimi · 2020
Abstract Methodologies for educational content delivery and instruction have been going through a revolution thanks to the advancements in computer-based technologies. Serious game technology, as one of these advancements, holds the promise of significantly enhancing the learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts, which are traditionally acquired through practical experience. In particular, serious and educational games have been shown to not only engage and motivate students but also facilitate the development of complex problem-solving skills. Another technological advancement that is known to increase student engagement through immersion is Virtual Reality (VR). VR has been shown to lead the users to establish empathic connections with their virtual environment. Combining the two technological trends, this paper illustrates the design and development of a virtual reality educational game, Attack of the Recyclops, by undergraduate computer science and engineering students. Primarily targeted at freshman college students, the learning objective of the game is proper disposal of waste, such as composting and recycling, within a virtual model of a local college campus. Helping students to learn, via a virtual reality educational game, how to properly dispose of waste could have positive outcomes for their future behavior, hence the natural environment in general. The paper illustrates the game development experience within the assessment framework of learning objectives. Therefore, this experience may also assist future game developers in aligning learning objectives with virtual game design.