Abstract
In this paper, I address the need for interdisciplinary design-driven studio education to spread awareness of electronic waste to students. Electronic waste management needs the utmost importance; one solution is educating the next generation of students learn the importance of recycling and the reuse of electronic waste. Students need to be taught how to dispose of electronic waste and should not throw it with other debris into the landfill without proper treatment, which is presently done. Electronic waste, if not treated properly, will enter the soil and contaminate the earth and the water, which contains harmful chemicals released into the environment and cause health issues. Electronic waste is it has been drastically increasing, according to E-Waste Monitor, in 2021, the electronic waste produced was 53.6 million Mt. They estimate that 74 Mt of electronic waste will be generated by 2030 (E-Waste Monitor, 2022). This critical issue can be addressed immediately by introducing an interdisciplinary design studio course to familiarize the younger generation with the problem and prepare them to reduce electronic waste production by reusing and recycling. I research the existing courses, quantitative and qualitative research, and concentrate on how an interdisciplinary design course can benefit students. I also address the need for different departments to collaborate to build classes for students from diverse backgrounds. This way, the awareness of electronic waste is widespread and can be made into a habit in students’ everyday life. This will help to build an environmentally friendly tomorrow.
Presenters
Swetha AnandStudent, PhD, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, United States Cecilia Wang
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Interdisciplinary design studio, Interdisciplinary electronic waste course, Design-driven education
