[GDAYX MNL REACTION PAPER]

Danielle Elisha F. Ching
2013-68141

GOOGLEFIED

Google it.

Living in a typhoon-stricken country, we are in need of proper information dissemination, so the talk on “Crisis Mapping Experience and the Google Crisis Information Page” was indeed relevant and helpful. I could never agree more that one of the greatest aids one could send to the affected ones is right-on-track and useful information.

Directing towards the business-orientation of the event, the other two talks I managed to listen to were presenting some Google features as tools for business endorsement and management— “Google Places & Mapping for Business” and “Google+ for Business.” As backward as the person I am, I never knew that anyone could edit and put up any place on the widely- used global map until GdayX Manila. Having one’s business address included on this map really does wonders to a business’ success. Google Maps is one of Google’s best features by far, while Google+ is a more recent development. I have a Google+ account, which I use for watching YouTube videos and sending Gmails, but I have not yet tried its other functions and features. The speaker focused more on the blogging feature using Blogger or Blogspot. Since I don’t blog, the talk helped me see the importance of blogging, specifically in business. Instead of creating a website, a blog is more helpful both to the business owner, and customers. There is interaction, engagement, and commitment between parties. I was fond of the idea the speaker was trying to impart— a blog, which is free, is more effective than a website, which requires investment.

Although the speakers and their talks are trying to convey useful business tips and information, I don’t think the advertising team of the event used those tips to endorse theirs. Maybe it was because of what noticed when I came—there were only a few people, not as much as I expected. It was ironic since the event was about educating people on how to exploit Google features for advertisements and information dissemination; however, the event itself did not seem successful in luring people to attend. Somehow, the credibility of the event was diminished.

Apart from the few number of attendees, the event was successful and well-organized—the receptionists and ushers were friendly, there were a lot of event and food sponsors, the venue was suited, the light and sound systems were properly working, and the talks were right on schedule. To think that there was no registration fee, the conference catered more than enough to its attendees. It’s an event which I would definitely attend again in the future, and I’ll bring more people with me by then. #

"ONE CLICK, and you're in a different world" -Gail Tan

GDaysX Philippines

Reaction Paper

Meryl Mae Tan

2012-79054

Do you think you have explored the internet, yet? Downloaded the most recent apps? Have you maximized the technology you are enjoying right now? Or even extend the use of this technology advancement in your own career or business, environment, education and community aside from using it for your personal social life? Well think again.

The number one search engine in the entire world wide web, GOOGLE, formulated additional apps to accommodate every needs of its user. And a one-day event held at Xavier St. Greenhills, San Juan, called GDaysX Philippines supported by Google last November 23, Saturday, educate and inform ordinary netizens on the benefits of this applications not only in our social life but also to different aspects of it.

The event was composed of numerous talks about apps that Google offer to use in our advantage in different fields other than what we are used to with the traditional internet life. Gail Tan of Google Philippines shared that the success of Google lies in its USERS. "Focus in the users, and else will follow." she added.

Other speakers talked about applications that will help your business like Gmail, Hangouts (for conference video calls), Google Drive (for storage), Youtube and Blogs (for marketing and advertisements), Google Places and Mapping for Business, Google Analytics and Google+. and they also did some Demo and emphasize on its perks.

http://businesscloud.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Google-Apps-for-business-image.png

In times of catastrophe, just like what happen in Visayas region, the past weeks, there are Community and Crises: Disaster Rescue, Relief and Reconstruction maps that is very helpful in preparing this kind of calamity. This maps are made by volunteer mappers and are designed according to its different uses. There is also this app, called Person Finder, where helps you get and/or give information on a person's whereabouts.

In Education, technology now doesn't just allow you to search, but even more. In so many videos they have shared with us, it is very touching how technology was so innovative that it can fulfill our dreams more than what we could ever imagine. It is true that we could learn more than just the texts on our books. And learning is beyond the four corners of the classroom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRrdeFh5-io

Now the problem is, too many apps to supervise. Well good thing this apps are made to collaborate with each other. They may have different functions, settings and format. But they all work together towards one goal: to make our life EASIER. These apps are interrelated with each other that you can update, access and link one by the other. Google Drive gives you access to all from your mobile-to-PC-to-Tablet-other device wherever, whenever you needed them.

Nowadays, we can literally seat back on our couch in front of our PC whole day without worrying on our work, or run a business online and by only one person, or blog or video our hobbies and earn for a living, or went on tour on ancient civilization for the history class.

STS has gone Google.

Meryl Mae Tan

2012-79054

Reaction Paper: GDAYSX

2013-49566

I learned a lot from the talks for it was like a mini conference from each different speakers invited. The talks that I have attended were about Digital Collaboration/Google Drive, Youtube for your business and Podcasting and Blogging.  I was stunned at statistics they showed and shared to us.

Before, the world of internet for me is just a simple search where you can find answers to questions anything under the sun--updates about music, artists or celebrities, and controversial stuffs. But after the talk, it changes my views about this matter.

In the conference, the first topic by Therence John Resabal was about Digital Collaboration/Google Drive. I learned so much about its functions now. It is a fast and simple way of uploading files and documents and sharing it to others. The second one was Youtube for your business, delivered by Trixie Canivel. YouTube is a website where billions of people visit it every day. It provides an opportunity for a brand to show off its products and connect customers. Also, it helps customers to choose or find the right brand or agency they needed to fulfil their desires. And the last one was about Podcasting and Blogging by Kring Elenzano. She has background in both traditional and new media. She gave a talk on how to create a website where you could write something about your business. It can also be a site for conversations and engagement in dialogue with others.

I really enjoyed the event for I know I can make use of what I’ve. I could also use it in my academic and scholarly requirements because they’re useful. The GdaysX was totally an educational event that could help students nationwide. It is also helpful to entrepreneurs who are engaging in different type of businesses. A massive thank you to Google Business Group Community!