Teaching Tip: Embedding sustainability in Information Systems Design Education

Authors

Wendy Rowan, University College CorkFollow
Stephen McCarthy, University College CorkFollow
Selam Mebrahtu, Strategic Design ScenariosFollow
Christophe Gauche, Strategic Design ScenariosFollow
Katie O'Reilly, University College CorkFollow
Damilola Odili, University College CorkFollow

Abstract

Sustainability refers to the achievement of present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. While prior research has highlighted the potential of Information Systems (IS) to support sustainability objectives - for instance, through supporting eco-efficient work practices and democratising healthcare access - our understanding of how to integrate the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a core aspect of IS teaching and curricula remains nascent. This teaching tip presents a pedagogical design and teaching method for embedding sustainability in systems design education using design thinking and “active learning” techniques. We provide examples of how students translated the SDGs into design concepts that target real-world sustainability problems with feedback from subject matter experts. Recommendations are then provided for supporting students’ experiential journeys when exploring sustainability objectives in the classroom by providing opportunities for variation and experimentation.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.62273/HBHX1382

Recommended Citation

Rowan, Wendy; McCarthy, Stephen; Mebrahtu, Selam; Gauche, Christophe; O'Reilly, Katie; and Odili, Damilola (2024) "Teaching Tip: Embedding sustainability in Information Systems Design Education," Journal of Information Systems Education: Vol. 35 : Iss. 2 , 122-137.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62273/HBHX1382
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jise/vol35/iss2/2