Unconventional Ways You Can Use These Apps To Help Your Community

“Kaka-computer mo ‘yan!” These are words that you usually hear from the elderly.

As Gen-Z students, you’re considered children of the internet because there’s no such day that you’re not using the internet and your mobile phones.

 In these times of technological advancement, everything is easier and efficiency is improved, whereas two decades ago things were tedious and processes were slow. But even if the birth of technology allowed these comforts and efficiency, everyone should always use it for a good purpose. As they say, think before you click! For instance, before the rise of the internet, people had to travel far to visit libraries to do their research, and they had to through towering shelves of books to find information. So time-consuming and exhausting! But with the computer and the internet, anyone could just get information in a span of seconds—all while sitting comfortably on a chair!

And so contrary to what the elderly say, your kaka-computer has a significant impact on the lives of many. It has a possibility of contributing to society’s development, like using it to help your local barangay. Curious how? Read on as Edukasyon gives you a rundown on how computer applications and software can help solve real-life barangay problems—with your help, of course!

1. Google Slides for local project proposals and presentations

Photo Source:https: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-giving-presentation-on-the-white-screen-7989081/

Alt text: A male student presenting data and ideas using a drawing feature on google slides.

Your barangay constituents are looking to propose a hygiene and sanitation program that is more patterned out to their lifestyle. Although the current program made by the local barangay is working and doable for everyone, your community noticed that they need a water refilling station that offers a cheaper price compared to other stores. They plan to reach out to your barangay captain by presenting visual aids using colorful markers and papers, which can be inefficient.

As a Gen-Z student, you can help your constituents by making a series of slides that have pictures and graphs that convey the message of the proposal concisely and cohesively. With this, you can use Google Slides as a computer application and present it in your barangay hall. They’ll be amazed at your Slide smarts!

2. Google Sheets for a barangay directory list

In preparation for National Disaster Resilience month, your barangay was tasked to make a list of emergency hotlines that will be distributed to every constituent. They thought of printing a handy piece of paper, but also remembered that the elderly might hardly read the texts and a piece of paper is easy to lose. Even more, inaccessible at times of life and death situation.

Create a master sheet using Google Sheets! Since everyone has mobile phones these days, a digital copy of a directory is more convenient and at reach for every person in your barangay. Plus, this is more organized since you can classify the kinds of responders and names of offices. Make sure to share your knowledge and teach the old folks how to access and navigate this application, though, as Sheets can sometimes appear confusing AF.

3. Google Meet for virtual assemblies

Due to the pandemic, there are restrictions imposed by the national government to lessen the transmission of virus. One of many is to limit in-person gatherings and activities. Because of this, only 50% of your barangay population can attend the monthly community general assembly.

Help your barangay by introducing Google Meet and creating a virtual general assembly! You can set up a Meet for a specific day and encourage the remaining members of your community to attend the online session. At the same time, you can stream this on your social media accounts (ask permission from your barangay captain first). Through this, new information and policies become inclusive and accessible for everyone.

4. Canva for digital newsletters

The local barangay has planned to advocate for a paperless community in line with sustainable development. This means reducing the distribution of printed newsletters in your community, which are usually announcements and notices for the constituents to acknowledge.

To fill in the gap use Canva as a computer application for making newsletters! Through this, you can utilize the template available in the application to format your texts easily. Plus, Canva is a user-friendly app that allows you to layout newsletters effortlessly. You may distribute this digital newsletter by sending the link to your Canva work or simply save it as a PNG/JPEG format and post it on your social media platforms. Easy peasy!

Kaka-computer mo nga talaga ‘yan!  Remember, you can always make small steps in helping your little community progress. In these ways, you are making meaningful contributions that can improve other people’s lives. Perhaps isn’t it more fulfilling too, knowing that you’re sharing your digital literacy and know-how to affect change in your community, the best way you know how?