STUDENTS’ EVALUATION OF GOOGLE HANGOUTS THROUGH A CROSS-CULTURAL GROUP DISCUSSION ACTIVITY

Year 2015, Volume: 16 Issue: 2, 28 - 39, 03.04.2015

Michiko Kobayashı

https://doi.org/10.17718/tojde.98784

Cited By: 3

Abstract

The study investigated perceived ease of use and usefulness of Google Hangouts as an
instructional/learning tool. Forty-two teacher education students at U.S and Japanese
universities participated in an online cross-cultural activity using Google Hangouts and
discussed cultural differences between the two countries and their teaching philosophies.
After the activity, students responded to a survey to evaluate the ease of use and
usefulness of Google Hangouts. Qualitative data were also collected through the survey to
examine their overall learning experience. The results indicated that Google Hangouts is a
useful instructional tool, but not easy to use. Although technical problems occurred
during the conference, the activity provided valuable experiences for both U.S. and
Japanese students. The study provides suggestions for how Google Hangouts can be
integrated into online classrooms based on the findings.

Keywords

Videoconference, computer mediated communication, online learning

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