ABSTRACT Immersive virtual reality (IVR) provides sensory stimulation and immersive learning experiences, which offers a unique opportunity for individuals who are limited by geographical or social constraints to engage in environmental education. This study explores the potential of IVR for enhancing environmental empathy and facilitating environmental skill transfer and examines the correlations between enhanced environmental empathy and environmental attitudes. Herein, 50 sixth-grade students from primary schools were recruited and equally assigned to either the IVR group or the traditional learning media (TLM) group. Students in the IVR group used head-mounted devices and handle controllers to explore a self-developed, theme-related virtual reality program. Students in the TLM group used PowerPoint presentations and an educational video approved by an experienced teacher. The study found that: (1) environmental empathy improved significantly in both the TLM and IVR groups; (2) environmental empathy and environmental skill transfer of students in the IVR group were significantly higher than those in the TLM group; and (3) with IVR, environmental knowledge level and environmental empathy had the greatest impact on environmental attitudes. These findings provide insights on how IVR positively impact educational outcomes related to environmental awareness in K–12 settings.
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