A Location-Based Mobile Learning Approach Promoting Education for Sustainable Development on the Topic of Climate Change Adaptation

Hannes Schmalor (), Steffen Ciprina and Marko Ellerbrake
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Hannes Schmalor: Institute of Geography, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
Steffen Ciprina: Institute of Geography, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
Marko Ellerbrake: Institute of Geography, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-23

Abstract: The achievement of sustainability goals depends on local actions, highlighting the need for educational approaches that engage learners with locally relevant content within Education for Sustainable Development. This study used a mixed-methods approach to examine the suitability of location-based mobile learning to highlight the local relevance of sustainability issues and explore its potential and challenges in the context of Education for Sustainable Development. For this purpose, a location-based mobile learning unit on climate change adaptation on the BIPARCOURS app was completed by 63 pre-service teachers, who answered a questionnaire before and after the unit to capture their experiences, perceived learning outcomes, and attitudes, also including an evaluation of the unit. The results indicated that the unit enhanced participants’ awareness of individual and everyday opportunities for climate change adaptation. In the evaluation, the pre-service teachers cited the following factors for the successful use of location-based mobile learning: increased motivation, real-world relevance, the connection between local examples and theoretical knowledge, and the development of digital skills. Critical remarks were made regarding technical and organisational aspects. Although the unit’s generalisability and long-term impact require further investigation, the results point to the potential of location-based mobile learning to support Education for Sustainable Development.

Keywords: location-based mobile learning; climate change adaptation; gamification; Education for Sustainable Development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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