@article{article_176904, title={STUDENTS’ EVALUATION OF GOOGLE HANGOUTS THROUGH A CROSS-CULTURAL GROUP DISCUSSION ACTIVITY}, journal={Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education}, volume={16}, pages={28–39}, year={2015}, DOI={10.17718/tojde.98784}, author={Kobayashı, Michiko}, keywords={Videoconference, computer mediated communication, online learning}, abstract={<p>The study investigated perceived ease of use and usefulness of Google Hangouts as an <br />instructional/learning tool. Forty-two teacher education students at U.S and Japanese <br />universities participated in an online cross-cultural activity using Google Hangouts and <br />discussed cultural differences between the two countries and their teaching philosophies. <br />After the activity, students responded to a survey to evaluate the ease of use and <br />usefulness of Google Hangouts. Qualitative data were also collected through the survey to <br />examine their overall learning experience. The results indicated that Google Hangouts is a <br />useful instructional tool, but not easy to use. Although technical problems occurred <br />during the conference, the activity provided valuable experiences for both U.S. and <br />Japanese students. The study provides suggestions for how Google Hangouts can be <br />integrated into online classrooms based on the findings. </p>}, number={2}, publisher={Anadolu University}