Effectiveness of Fine Dust Environmental Education on Students’ Awareness and Attitudes in Korea and Australia Using AR Technology

Abstract

This study evaluated the influence of fine dust environmental education on 90 elementary and middle school students, taking into account factors such as sex, place of residence, experience with environmental education, and experience with augmented reality (AR). The goal was to assess changes in students’ awareness and attitudes towards fine dust. Results showed that fine dust environmental education positively influenced students’ awareness of fine dust. Further analysis by factors revealed that the education was effective regardless of these factors. In addition to increasing awareness of the seriousness of fine dust, students’ attitudes also changed positively. The study conducted a statistical analysis of changes in 10 types of attitudes among the target students before and after our education. After the implementation of the education, students’ attitudes changed positively in all 10 types of attitudes, including checking the weather, restricting activities, personal hygiene, wearing masks, environmental education, separating garbage and cleaning, classroom silence, classroom ventilation, home cleaning, and home environment with statistical significance. These findings underscore the effectiveness and importance of combining fine-dust environmental education with AR technology and can inform the planning of educational programs aimed at improving students’ awareness and attitudes.