Green Computing in Malaysia: Higher Education Students' Knowledge and Perspectives

Abstract

The COVID19 pandemic has caused a paradigm shift in teaching and learning (T&L) methods in higher learning institutions to online medium. The practice of online T&L increases the use of computer for a substantial amount of time to ensure that T&L activities are conducted successfully This is seen as causing a direct impact on the extensive use of energy and indirectly contribute to environmental pollution. To minimize the impact information technology on the environment, one of the solutions that receives much attention is green computing. Therefore, this study attempts to identify the knowledge and attitudes towards green computing among Malaysian students with survey method. A questionnaire with eleven items was developed to collect data, which was then distributed online among students in entire Malaysian higher learning institutions. A total of 192 respondents participated in this study. However, 182 questionnaires are used for analysis. This study reveals that most students are aware of the concept of green computing in general but do not properly understand how to apply green computing practices in daily life. In conclusion, several suggestions are proposed for developing an appropriate strategy to enhance green computing knowledge and practices among Malaysian students.