Title: How e-learning can accelerate education for sustainable development in higher education: a thematic review of literature

Authors: Anshita Chelawat; Seema Sant

Addresses: Thakur Institute of Management Studies and Research, SNDT University, Thakur Village, Kandivali (E), Mumbai, India ' Vivekanand Education Society Institute of Management Studies and Research Collector's Colony, Chembur, Mumbai, India

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to explore the role of e-learning in attaining sustainability goals in education, i.e., Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). It examines the inclusion of e-learning solutions in the current education system leading to sustainable educational institutes and contributing to attaining ESD. Further, it highlights the challenges faced by educational institutes in implementing e-learning solutions. Through a thematic and critical review of past literature in the area of sustainability, e-learning, higher education, and potential challenges, 23 papers have been shortlisted for the current research. As the concept of sustainability in the Indian Education System is still nascent, the paper presents a holistic review of the literature to adhere to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-4 in Indian Higher Education System. The paper illustrates that implementing e-learning solutions in higher education through its curriculum, teaching-learning pedagogies, and innovative technologies can help higher education institutions (HEIs) to contribute toward ESD.

Keywords: sustainability; sustainable development; SD; e-learning; Education for Sustainable Development; ESD; higher education; online learning; higher education institutes; Sustainable Development Goals; SDG; National Education Policy 2020.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2023.132751

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2023 Vol.18 No.2, pp.161 - 180

Received: 21 Apr 2022
Received in revised form: 28 Jun 2022
Accepted: 23 Jul 2022
Published online: 09 Aug 2023 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article