The influence of using smart technologies for sustainable development in higher education institutions

Promoting sustainability development in education is a global endeavor, aiming to foster the sharing of experiences and knowledge on sustainability development. To achieve that, educational institutions worldwide have increasingly embraced educational technology and integrated online learning components into their instructional methods. This research focuses on the pivotal role of students as influential catalysts for advancing sustainable development within higher education. Specifically, it investigates the extent of students' familiarity with sustainable development initiatives within higher education institutions in the UAE. To achieve this objective, the study introduces the Technology-Integration Framework for Education Sustainable Development (TIFESD), which serves as an evaluative tool for appraising students' awareness of technology-driven elements woven into the broader context of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) within their respective universities. The research employs a quantitative methodology, encompassing the collection of 513 survey responses from students across nine universities in the UAE. This data analysis explores the potential relationship between the integration of technology and students' cognizance of factors that bolster sustainable development. The study's outcomes underscore students' profound awareness of a spectrum of technology-driven elements, including Green Campus initiatives, Smart Education strategies, Smart Campus facilities, and the influence of curriculum and course offerings—all of which collectively contribute to the advancement of sustainable development practices within higher education institutions.