StreamBED: Training Citizen Scientists to Make Qualitative Judgments Using Embodied Virtual Reality Training

TL;DR

This paper introduces StreamBED, a virtual reality training environment designed to improve citizen scientists' ability to make qualitative water quality assessments through embodied learning, addressing a gap in current training methods.

Contribution

It presents the design, evaluation, and iterative redesign of a VR-based training tool for environmental citizen scientists to enhance qualitative judgment skills.

Findings

VR training improves assessment accuracy

Embodied learning enhances engagement and understanding

Preliminary results show positive user feedback

Abstract

Environmental citizen science frequently relies on experience-based assessment, however volunteers are not trained to make qualitative judgments. Embodied learning in virtual reality (VR) has been explored as a way to train behavior, but has not fully been considered as a way to train judgment. This preliminary research explores embodied learning in VR through the design, evaluation, and redesign of StreamBED, a water quality monitoring training environment that teaches volunteers to make qualitative assessments by exploring, assessing and comparing virtual watersheds.