Hlongwane, Joseph
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Leveraging AI and ICT for Greener Education in the Face of Climate Change in Smart Classrooms Chasokela, Doris; Hlongwane, Joseph
Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education
Publisher : Scientia Publica Media

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.70232/jrmste.v2i1.24

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) are reshaping educational approaches to sustainability and climate action, fostering environmentally responsible attitudes among students. The study seeks to find how the integration of Artificial Intelligence and Information and Communication Technology in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) affects the promotion of sustainability and climate action among students and the extent to which these technologies enhance student engagement with sustainability concepts, facilitate diverse perspectives on climate issues and contribute to the overall reduction of the carbon footprint of educational institutions. Many academic institutions struggle to effectively integrate these technologies into their curricula, which may hinder the potential to engage students in meaningful ways regarding sustainability and climate action. Educators can personalise learning by utilising AI-driven analytics and ICT tools, making sustainability concepts more engaging. AI can assess learning patterns to deliver tailored content that highlights environmental stewardship, while ICT provides access to global resources, allowing students to explore climate issues from diverse perspectives. Smart technologies like IoT devices and virtual learning platforms are crucial for reducing the carbon footprint of educational institutions. Online learning minimises the need for physical infrastructure, reducing travel-related carbon footprints. By incorporating these technologies into curricula, institutions can cultivate a generation of informed, environmentally-conscious citizens. This study employs a qualitative approach to evaluate AI and ICT’s impact on promoting sustainability in university education. Data were collected through interviews with students and lecturers. Students reported increased engagement through AI-enhanced platforms. Lecturers indicated that the universities that use IoT energy monitoring reduce energy consumption. Recommendations include investing in lecturer training for AI and ICT integration, developing interdisciplinary curricula focused on sustainability, improving IoT infrastructure for energy management, encouraging cross-departmental collaboration on climate issues, and promoting student participation in sustainability-focused research projects. These steps can significantly enhance educational strategies and foster student commitment to climate action.
Towards Greening the Higher Education Curricular for Sustainable Development: The Zimbabwe Context Hlongwane, Joseph; Chasokela, Doris
Journal of Education for Sustainable Development Studies Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): Journal of Education for Sustainable Development Studies
Publisher : Scientia Publica Media

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.70232/jesds.v2i1.21

Abstract

Planet Earth is grappling with the pangs of climate change and natural disasters across the globe. Humanity has to keep pace with the ever-changing socio-economic and natural challenges and plan for a sustainable future. Environment conservation is paramount for sustainability. It is against this backdrop that this study was carried out. The main thrust was to develop sustainable strategies to be employed by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in a bid to spearhead environment conservation and natural disaster risk management in communities for a more sustainable future. HEIs can leverage their academic muscles and modern technological tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to green their curricula, pedagogies, and assessment mechanisms to produce conservation astute graduates who can generate practical knowledge-driven solutions to societal problems and generate socio-economic empowerment from the natural resources abound in Zimbabwe, leveraging on the Heritage based Education system anchored on Education 5.0 which emphasizes industrialization and innovation. The study employed the Hermeneutic Phenomenology design situated in the interpretivist paradigm and used systematic literature review, and document analysis to collect data which was thematically analysed to design a framework for greening the curricula across different learning disciplines, especially those not directly linked to environmental issues. The study also envisaged a holistic approach incorporating various stakeholders within and without education circles. Conclusions drawn include the prospect of making HEIs vehicles for change and awareness creation by effecting the curriculum development strategies suggested. Recommendations include explicitly including environmental issues in all curricula, and engaging in multi-sectoral collaboration among curriculum designers, policymakers, examination bodies, and community personnel. The second part of the research focussed on presenting a framework that STEM educators can use to green their modules. The researchers argue that if every module is green then the whole curriculum would be green.