Author(s)

Akira Shirato^*, Kayoko Yamamoto

Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo, Japan.

The need for environmental education, which incorporates the life cycle concept into the learning program, will become increasingly greater all over the world. In the present study, an e-learning system, which is made up of 3 parts including text-based learning materials, quizzes to review the content of the learning materials and CO₂ emission simulation, was designed and developed with the purpose of supporting environmental learning. Targeting a wide range of people, the operation period of this system was 1 month. Based on the results of questionnaire survey for users, it was evident that the quiz function and the simulation function of CO₂ emission contributed to the efficiency in environmental learning, and the format of the e-learning system was effective and helpful for environmental learning. Additionally, with the users’ awareness related to environmental conservation before and after using the system, significant changes in awareness were seen in areas such as behavioral intention, sense of urgency and sense of connection. Furthermore, as it was revealed that 62% of the total access numbers were from mobile devices, it was effective to prepare an interface optimized for mobile devices enabling users to use the system from their smartphones and tablet PCs.

Environmental Learning, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Concept, Environmental Education, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), E-Learning System

Shirato, A. and Yamamoto, K. (2020) An Environmental Learning Support System Incorporating the Life Cycle Concept. Journal of Environmental Protection, 11, 491-508. doi: 10.4236/jep.2020.116029.