CITED AS Chu, SKW, Chin, YM, Wong, CY, Chan, IHY, Lee, CWY, Wu, WWY, amp; Pun. BLF (2011). Using Google Sites in collaborative inquiry project-based .docVIP

CITED AS: Chu, S.K.W., Chin, Y.M., Wong, C.Y., Chan, I.H.Y., Lee, C.W.Y., Wu, W.W.Y., Pun. B.L.F. (2011). Using Google Sites in collaborative inquiry project-based learning at secondary school level. Paper presented at 9th International Conference on Computer Supported Collaborative Learning, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. Title: Using Google Sites in collaborative inquiry project-based learning at secondary school level Authors: Chu, Samuel Kai Wah; Chin, Yiu Ming; Wong, Chun Yin; Chan, Ice Hoi Yi; Lee, Celina Wing Yi; Wu, Wendy Wai Yue; Pun, Boris Lok Fai Abstract: The benefits of integrating Web 2.0 technologies into mainstream education were well observed in different studies, indicating Web 2.0 technologies function as facilitators in learning and teaching. A type of Web 2.0 technologies called Wiki has yielded very positive outcomes at the primary school level, and through this article, the authors would like to illustrate the positive outcomes found in the research conducted at the secondary school level. This article provides the instructional design on how Wiki can be implemented in the secondary school classroom, highlights the affordances of Google Sites, and how students have improved and benefited from the integration of Web 2.0 technologies. Keywords: Collaborative learning, junior secondary, Liberal Studies, Google Sites, Wiki, Hong Kong Introduction The recent challenges in conducting collaborative inquiry project-based learning in education reflects the urge in new platforms in supporting such implementation. For these years, a variety of technological tools have been used to facilitate collaborative learning across different subjects (De Pedro et al., 2006; Franklin et al., 2007; Hanson et al., 2008). Among these tools, this paper focuses on the ways Web 2.0 technologies support collaborative inquiry project-based learning in junior secondary Liberal Studies education. Literature Review The rapid development of inf