2025 Volume 12 Issue 1 Pages 98
Introduction: Earthquakes have caused nearly 750,000 deaths globally from 1998 to 2017, highlighting the need for preparedness. Thailand has experienced several notable earthquakes. Practicing drills and using virtual reality (VR) simulations can help children understand safety protocols, experience earthquakes safely, and enhance survival skills through active engagement.
Objective: 1. Student Engagement with VR Preparedness: We assumed that students would be highly engaged and responsive to using VR simulations as part of their disaster preparedness education.
2. Raising Awareness and Developing Capacities in Earthquake Preparedness.
Methods: 1. Developed Educational Materials: VR earthquake simulations, disaster jigsaw puzzles covering earthquakes, floods, landslides, fires, cold weather, hurricanes, terrorist attacks, and tsunamis, and computer games such as disaster-related vocabulary puzzles, cause and impact puzzles, and survival kit organization puzzles.
2. The activity began with an introduction to public disasters, asking students to define and give examples, and share personal experiences. Knowledge about earthquakes was provided, emphasizing actions before, during, and after the disaster. Students learned about eight disaster types through jigsaw puzzles and computer games. They explored earthquake preparedness through virtual reality games, involving gameplay explanations and practice. The activity concluded with a summary of knowledge and skills for earthquake preparedness and response.
Results: Learning activities for 2,320 elementary students across 56 schools in 14 districts and 4 provinces sparked keen interest in VR, making learning enjoyable and supplementing traditional methods. Students eagerly shared knowledge with peers and families and requested more activities. Additionally, 130 teachers identified a need for enriching content and materials. They agreed VR captures students' attention and provides engaging experiences, while jigsaw puzzles and computer games effectively support and enhance learning.
Discussion: This research introduced earthquake basics through a game but lacked assessments. Future research should assess knowledge and skills.
