E-Learning for Elementary Students: The Web 2.0 Tool Google Drive as Teaching and Learning Practice

Abstract

It is a well-known fact that during recent years, the new economic and technological environment, which hasemerged from the dynamic impacts of globalization, has given rise to the increased development of information andcommunication technologies that have immensely influenced education and training all over Europe. Within thisframework, there is an ever growing need for educators worldwide to effectively prepare their students for theassociated technological and social challenges; something that in reality will constitute the springboard towardsachieving future employment and social welfare. It thus becomes evident that technology in the new pedagogies ispervasive and is used as a means for discovering and implementing the deeper learning goals, namely those relatingto the creation of new knowledge in the world. In relation to the above, the present study focuses on the impact of theNew Pedagogies as perceived through the 21st century skills prism which are highly relevant to students’ futureacademic progress so as for them to achieve, on a long-term basis, personal and professional excellence. Specifically,in the context of creating new knowledge by using the power of digital tools, a case study which explores theexploitation of the web 2.0 Google Drive tool in 6th graders’ classes (elementary school) within Project-basedlearning (PBL) framework is examined. The research is expected to prove that the involved German educator isgoing to assist her students via a promising PBL activity so as for them to realize the value of ICT in the learning process.