ERIC Number: EJ1092852
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015-Apr
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1302-6488
EISSN: N/A
Students' Evaluation of Google Hangouts through a Cross-Cultural Group Discussion Activity
Kobayashi, Michiko
Turkish Online Journal of Distance Education, v16 n2 p28-39 Apr 2015
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.
Descriptors: Student Evaluation, Group Discussion, Usability, Instructional Material Evaluation, Intercultural Programs, Multicultural Education, International Educational Exchange, Qualitative Research, Student Surveys, Videoconferencing, Computer Mediated Communication, Preservice Teachers, Computer Software Evaluation, Social Media, Learning Experience, Foreign Countries
Anadolu University. Office of the Rector, Eskisehir, 26470, Turkey. Tel: +90-222-335-34-53; Fax: +90-222-335-34-86; e-mail: rektor@anadolu.edu.tr; e-mail: TOJDE@anadolu.edu.tr; Web site: http://tojde.anadolu.edu.tr/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Japan; United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A