Using Google Drive for Developing Information Skills

in Students

P.G. Premadasa, P. Ranaweera, U. Alahakoon, and R. Gamage*

National Institute of Library and Information Sciences (NILIS), University of Colombo

* ruwan@nilis.cmb.ac.lk

Background• Postgraduate Courses @ NILIS, University of

Colombo– Teacher Librarianship (PGTL/MTL)– Library and Information Sciences (PGLIS/MLS)– Information Management (PGDIM/MIM)

Problem• Information literacy level (specially ICT/digital

literacy) not equal at the end of the course.

Literature• Difference between – ICT education and – integrating ICT in context (Eisenberg, 2008, p. 43).

• Google Apps for Education is gaining popularity – based on cloud and – offered free of charge (Sultan, 2010).

Methodology• Qualitative approach, Action research

Orientation programme

Google Apps for Education

Orientation programme• Basic knowledge on libraries– introduction to libraries/library functions– National Library tour

Orientation programme• Technology and information skills

improvement– introduction to GAE– official Email and GAE accounts

[student]@nilis.cmb.ac.lk

Integration of GAE

The teaching-learning process

1. Note taking2. Note making3. Peer evaluation4. Formative assessments/reflective log5. Submission of e-portfolio

Data collection• Student feedback– Online questionnaire– Informal discussions

• Observations• E-Portfolio

Working on Google Docs

Working on Google Docs

Results and analysis• Initial condition– Happy to use English as the

medium of study– English language fluency low. – Not fully confident to

participate actively in discussions.

– Could operate a computer – Not confident in using the

Web based applications.

Results and analysis• The improvement– Using Web apps

confidently– Collaboration– Reflective learning– Eager to participate in

discussions

Conclusions/Suggestions• Enthusiasm in using Web based Apps• A sharp increase of information skills• Problem is to allocate computer facilities• Can effectively be used in higher education

References• Eisenberg, M. B. (2008). Information Literacy:

Essential Skills for the Information Age. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 28(2).

• O’Hanlon, N. (1988). Up the down staircase: Establishing library instruction programs for teachers. RQ, 528–534.

• Sultan, N. (2010). Cloud computing for education: A new dawn? International Journal of Information Management, 30(2), 109–116.