The implementation of cloud computing technologies in social studies education: A mixed method research

Cloud computing is defined as a computing model that allows the use of data produced and stored on the internet independent of time and location. In this research, which uses cloud computing technology applications in both in-class and out-of-class learning activities in social studies course, the impact of the use of cloud computing technology applications on students' digital literacy skills, self-efficacy perceptions towards information technologies, and attitudes towards the course has been examined. In the study, pre and post-application semi-structured interviews were conducted with a focus group to explain and expand on the quantitative data. For this purpose, activities have been prepared for students to actively participate in the lesson using cloud computing technology applications. The research was conducted with 55 students attending the 7th grade in a public school located in Aydın province during the 2021-2022 academic year. The students in the experiment group used cloud computing technology applications in the learning and teaching process. In the control group, the process is completed with the activities included in the textbook and the curriculum. The work was conducted using a mixed methods research design, where qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed together. The "Digital Literacy Scale", "Self-Efficacy Perception Scale for Information Technologies" and "Attitude Scale for Social Studies Class" were used to collect quantitative data in the research. A semi-structured interview form, as well as student and researcher diaries, were used to collect qualitative data. T-tests were used to analyze the quantitative data collected in the study, for independent samples and dependent samples. Qualitative data were analysed by content analysis technique. As a result of analyzing the collected data, a statistically significant difference has been found between the average scores of the experimental group's "Digital Literacy Scale," "Self-Efficacy Perception Scale for Information Technologies" and "Social Studies Course Attitude Scale." The results obtained from qualitative data support the quantitative data. Based on both quantitative and qualitative findings, the use of cloud computing technology applications in the learning and teaching process of social studies shows that it has an impact on the development of students digital literacy skills, self-efficacy perceptions towards information technologies, and attitudes towards the lesson. Based on these results, recommendations have been developed for researchers and practitioners.