The Contribution of Education and ICT Knowledge in Sustainable Development Perceptions: The Case of Higher Education Students in Greece

Abstract

Environmental problems which threaten humanity have led to the need for sustainable development. This need has become even more evident during the last decades. Education is one of the most important tools to achieve sustainable development by educating people to this direction. The use of ICT in the period of the 4th Industrial Revolution supports quality education and sustainable development. The aim of this research is to examine higher education students' perceptions of sustainable development and analyze how these perceptions can be affected by their education. Data from 871 questionnaires responded by higher education students in Greece were analyzed. Data analyses carried out revealed that the level of ICT knowledge can have an impact on the perceptions of sustainable development. Moreover, it is found that these perceptions are affected by education, while just a small percentage of students have been taught courses related to sustainable development. The research results indicate the need for integrating courses and educational programs related to sustainable development in both the universities and the companies.