Published Paper


Quantifying Digital Competency Gains for Environmental Health: A Paired Pre-Post Evaluation of Applied Data Analytics Training

1 Syazwan Aizat Ismail; 2 Abd Muhaimin Bin Amiruddin
NA
Page: 339-350
Published on: 2025 December

Abstract

The operational demands of modern environmental health necessitate that practitioners master digital data acquisition, automation, and visualization tools. This study reports the quantitative findings of a course evaluation conducted on a cohort of environmental science undergraduates (N=45) following a targeted training module. The module utilized practical cloud-based tools, including App Sheet for mobile data collection, Google Looker Studio for visualization, Google Apps Script for API integration with services like the Open Weather API, and Wokwi for IoT prototyping. Using a paired pre- and post-test design with a 5-point Likert scale, we assessed gains across three domains: Knowledge (K), Behavioural Intent (B), and Confidence/Attitude (C). Results showed statistically significant improvements across all domains. Knowledge saw the largest mean gain (+1.61 points, p<0.001), with understanding of APIs and Dashboard Goals increasing by +2.00 (p=0.001). Behavioural intent to apply these skills increased by +0.96, specifically emphasizing the intent to automate repetitive tasks (+1.25, p=0.028). Confidence/Attitude gained +0.45, driven by increased belief in the career necessity of data analytics tools (+0.62, p=0.011). This evaluation confirms the curriculum's success in rapidly building technical competence and promoting a proactive, data-driven mindset essential for contemporary environmental health practice.

 

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