Digital Literacy for Sustainable Maritime English Learning: Ecopedagogical Insights in Nautical and Technical Education
Suhartini, Aliya Izet Begovic Yahya

Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pelayaran Jakarta

Abstract

Maritime English has become a crucial competence for cadets in nautical and technical education, as it represents the lingua franca of international shipping and complies with IMO and STCW requirements. However, traditional approaches often fail to integrate the digital literacy skills required in the 21st century and the ecological awareness demanded by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study explores the role of digital literacy in fostering effective and sustainable Maritime English learning by incorporating ecopedagogical perspectives. Using a mixed-method design, data were collected from nautical and technical cadets through surveys, classroom observations, and interviews with instructors. Quantitative analysis mapped cadets^ digital literacy levels, while qualitative analysis identified strategies of ecopedagogy embedded in teaching practices. Findings indicate that higher digital literacy significantly enhances cadets^ ability to engage with interactive learning platforms, simulations, and authentic maritime communication tasks. Moreover, ecopedagogical approaches encourage environmental responsibility while contextualizing Maritime English within real-life maritime sustainability issues. The study proposes a conceptual model of Maritime English learning that integrates digital literacy and ecopedagogy to strengthen cadets^ communicative competence and global ecological awareness. These insights contribute to both maritime education practices and the broader discourse on sustainable language learning.

Keywords: Maritime English- digital literacy- ecopedagogy- nautical education- technical education- sustainable learning

Topic: Digital Literacy and Ecopedagogy for SDGs