Abstract
J.M. Howard. New York State Parks and Augmented Reality: Exploring the relationship between visitor learning and sense of stewardship through augmented reality at Clark Reservation State Park and Green Lakes State Park, 85 pages, 3 tables, 20 figures, 2017.
Augmented Reality (AR) is a new and exciting technology being used to educate people around the world. This research project specifically looked at how an AR game could be used to educate New York State (NYS) Parks’ patrons about invasive species, conservation management, and ecosystem balance, while also promoting a sense of stewardship amongst participants. A quantitative approach was used for this study by using non-game player survey responses as a control and game-play surveys as the test group. It was determined that there was a significant relationship between AR game participation and knowledge gain and sense of stewardship. It was also determined that there was no difference in baseline knowledge between patrons who played the AR game and those who took the non-game player survey. There was a significant difference in stewardship values between game players and non-game player survey respondents, with game players having a lower sense of stewardship to start the game. Age did not have a significant impact on game play. Finally, gender did have a significant impact on who played the game and who did not. Recommendations for future NYS Parks’ educators are that they continue to use AR games in their education plans, while still focusing on the larger audience of all park patrons.
Key Words: environmental education, invasive species, augmented reality, NYS parks, conservation stewardship