THE ROLE OF SCOIAL MEDIA IN PROMOTING INTERDISCIPLINARY SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION
K.A.D.P. Lankika1* and K.H.N. Yasanga2
1,2Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Session: Technical Session E
Abstract
Social media has become a crucial tool for advancing interdisciplinary sustainability education by raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and fostering collaboration among students and educators across various fields. Its primary strength lies in its broad reach, especially among younger audiences engaged with digital platforms. Campaigns like #ClimateStrike demonstrate how social media can mobilize communities and highlight urgent sustainability issues. By facilitating rapid and extensive information dissemination, social media encourages dialogue and interaction, creating a community that supports interdisciplinary collaboration and resource sharing. Furthermore, social media's diverse content formats—videos, podcasts, infographics—cater to various learning styles, enhancing the understanding of complex sustainability concepts and promoting active engagement. However, challenges such as limited social media literacy among educators and resource constraints can impede effectiveness. To maximize social media’s potential in sustainability education, it is crucial to invest in training for effective communication strategies. Social media also showcases successful sustainability initiatives, inspiring others to adopt similar practices and engage in collaborative projects to address sustainability challenges. Despite these benefits, it is important to systematically evaluate the impact of social media efforts to measure their effectiveness in achieving educational and behavioral outcomes related to sustainability. In conclusion, social media significantly enhances interdisciplinary sustainability education by improving awareness, facilitating knowledge sharing, and fostering collaboration. Addressing challenges such as social media literacy and resource allocation will help educational institutions leverage this tool effectively, preparing students to confront future sustainability challenges.
Keywords: awareness, collaboration, interdisciplinary sustainable education, knowledge sharing, social media
DOI: 10.64752/VIKQ7349