Mzukisi Howard Kepe (Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa)
Abstract
In recent years, waste and pollution of plastics have drawn increasing awareness of their adverse environmental effects and human health risks. Environmental concerns about this type of waste have started to call for a host of strategies for managing the life cycle of plastic products. In this project, I explore how universities of technology can use computational thinking and systemic communication skills to mitigate the harm caused by environmental plastic pollution. This arises as the most effective approaches to dealing with the problem still urge for industrial, economic, and legal intervention as well as institutional support. I think that integrating computational thinking skills into K-12 and higher education can enhance electronic literacy and problem-solving skills, particularly in computer science education research related to plastic pollution. I utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods to demonstrate how communication skills, advocacy, integrated projects, and computational thinking can identify innovative strategies for balancing ecological and social systems. The study demonstrates that utilizing computational thinking and systemic communication can effectively tackle persistent plastic pollution through application, identification, interpretation, and crystallization.
ESBB Featured Session: Research Paper (In person; 25 minutes)
Critical Pedagogy/Perspectives
Primarily of Interest to Teachers of University Students
About the Presenter
Mzukisi Howard Kepe
I hold a PhD in English language education with a specialized focus on sociolinguistics. My primary research interests advocate for classroom-based pedagogical practices that enhance the educational experience. I have actively contributed to the academic community by presenting at numerous prestigious international conferences, including those at Leeds Beckett University, University of Toyama, Kanya Maha Vidyalaya College in Jalandhar, Dhofar University, and Palma de Mallorca. My endeavours have taken me to several universities in Vietnam, where I have collected data and delivered keynote addresses at Banking University, Ton Duc Thang University, Tan Tao University, Van Lang University, and Finance University in Ho Chi Minh City. My work continues to influence the field of English language education through my commitment to fostering effective pedagogical practices.
