An investigation into the effectiveness of digital technologies on environmental sustainability in TVET institutions in Kenya

Abstract

Digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, mobile technologies, IoT, and social platforms have generated positive improvements in education, society, and industries. Digital technologies are also increasingly deployed in improving environmental sustainability. Companies are now introducing new products and platforms based on digital technologies used to ameliorate environmental sustainability. Goralski and Tan highlighted AI-based technologies such as Smart Water Management Systems, Plant Village, and Peter Ma’s innovative use of AI for identifying waterborne diseases that have infested waters. Balogun et al. conducted a study on implementing digitalization for improving environmental sustainability. There exists a gap due to the limited policy and regulatory reforms to facilitate the effectiveness of implementing digital technologies for environmental sustainability. Lack of frameworks to promote the usage of digital technologies. This study sought to investigate on the effectiveness of digital technologies on the environmental sustainability in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions in Kenya. A quantitative research design was used in this study. The researcher used the simple random, Purposive, and Convenient technique of Trainers and trainees from TVET Institutions who added up to 100 trainees and 200 trainers as respondents. The relationship between the variables was established through correlation analysis. Regression analysis and ANOVA were used. The respondents were asked to state whether the TVET institutions have policies on the use of digital technologies on environmental sustainability 65% agreed, 25% strongly agreed, 5% strongly disagreed, 4% disagreed and only 1% was neutral. As to whether digital technologies contribute to environmental suitability 20% agreed, 12% strongly while only 68 strongly disagreed. Further, on whether the TVET Institutions have frameworks to promote the usage of digital technologies: 15% agreed, 35% strongly agreed, 44% strongly disagreed and 4% disagreed. Only 2% were neutral. The study recommended that TVET Institutions develop policies on digital technologies, develop frameworks on the usage of digital technologies also promote awareness of the contribution of digital transformation to environmental sustainability. The study concluded that to increase the effectiveness of digital technologies on environmental sustainability TVET institutions should encompass the policy development on the training on the use of digital technologies for environmental sustainability.