Towards a Participative Environmental Management Education Model Using Information and Communication Technologies

Abstract

This text studies beliefs, attitudes and knowledge of environmental management and environmental education that were expressed by participants during a diploma course called Environmental Management and Community Participation. Overall, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of the diploma course through the participants’ inputs and enrich the understanding on this type of educational programmes. The investigation focuses on learning evidence from four participants and presents data from the initial and final questionnaires. In addition, this study reflects upon the implications of the participants’ critical thinking and knowledge in relation to environmental management and environmental education, as well as the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as a support for their professional performance. On one hand, the findings revealed that the participants used their professional background and notions of community participation during the planning of environmental management projects, which was enriched by the activities of the course. On the other hand, the findings show that student perceptions on community participation lacked specificity and critical analysis. This suggested that, in a second edition of the diploma course, the learning experience could be improved by exploring further about the professional background and practices of the participants during the development of the programme. It is argued that the latter would allow identifying substantial needs in the planning of environmental management projects (an activity in the diploma course) and assisting in the articulation of sustainable development principles in community participation.