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
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.
