Using google sites to promote 7th graders’ information literacy, reading comprehension, and information technology through inquiry-based learning in Taiwan

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze the effects of collaborative teaching approach and inquiry-based learning (IBL). To facilitate the study, the researcher used Google Sites, an online application, to create a team website. The participants consisted of 28 seventh-grade students, a Teacher Librarian (who is also the teacher of the subject unit) and a Computer Teacher. Quantitative data were collected through information literacy (IL) assessment, PISA, after-class test, IT measurement and questionnaires. Qualitative data were collected through Google Sites documents, interviews, and observations. The findings are: (a) two teachers played essential roles in preparing students with IL, reading comprehension and IT skills through their collaboration and instructional content design; (b) students’ IT skills improved significantly after employing IBL; (c) collaborative teaching and IBL have positive impacts on the development of students’ IL, reading comprehension, curriculum content, and IT skills; (d) the participants’ attitude and perceptions showed positive effects towards the Google Sites collaborative process.