Thursday, July 8, 2010

Google Searches By Filipino Students

The 2010 Yahoo-Nielsen Net Index showed that seventy-six (76%) of Filipinos going online do "Search". The same survey showed that majority of those who uses the search engines to find what they need are students based on the ages of respondents. With the evolution of Internet search, students now have access to unlimited information and practically on any subject that can be normally found only in reference books before. Google, the number one Internet search engine in terms of usage, has recently revealed what subjects do Filipino students search for when they go online for their studies.

Google search trends show what Filipino students consistently search for during a given period. Not surprisingly, searches in June reveal what goes on in Filipino students’ minds as they work on their school assignments with the help of Google Search. It also gives unique insights into how our country’s education curriculum are structured, and how our teachers introduce new topics to their classes.

When searching for terms online, the Filipino students do not necessarily use English. They also search using their native language as well and Google search trends showed that students from Tagalog-speaking areas generally search using Filipino terms. The medium of instruction in the country combines both English and Filipino, which is reflected in the terms searched online. Among the Filipino-language search terms that students type into Google are: Ano ang mapa at globo?, Ano ang sining?, Mga kapatid ni Rizal, Alamat ng daigdig, Mga teorya ng mundo and Sangkap ng komunikasyon.

Google search trends in June revealed that it’s mostly high school students who surf the Internet for answers to their assignments, based on topics that they search for. Topics that Filipino students research include the following:
  • Technology-related searches primarily focus on basic computer subjects. Specific keyword search terms include brief history of computer, capabilities and limitation of a computer, hardware, and the kinds of technology.
  • It’s not where the countries are, but "what is Geography" that prompts students in the Philippines to go online. Other geographic terms consistently searched for by Pinoys are as ano ang mapa at globo, regions of Asia, and kahulugan ng prime meridian.
  • One of the oldest sciences, Geometry, is popularly searched for by students from Batangas, Rizal, and Manila, particularly its history, definition, and the father of geometry - Euclid.
  • Swiss and Filipino students from Rizal look for art-related topics such as “ano ang sining” and “sining.” Students also looked for art-related events such as the 14th graphic expo and the French film festival, both held in June.
  • No high school student has passed the term without having to encounter History. Filipinos from Rizal and Cavite searched for kasaysayan, father of history, and even Panatang Makabayan, perhaps a patriotic search after encountering the 400-year history of the Philippines.
  • Titles of literary pieces such as The Happy Man by Naguib Mahfouz, Beowulf, The Apology of Socrates, and Pag-Ibig by Emilio Jacinto are searched for by students in relation to Literature.
  • Filipino and foreign chemists are popularly searched for under Chemistry. Specific names include Father of Modern Chemistry Antoine Laurent Lavoisier, German organic chemist Friedrich Kekulie, and Filipino chemists such as Antonio Carlos Laurena, Ernesto del Rosario, Lani Rose Mateo, and Anacleto del Rosario.
  • Science is the most searched topic, which includes search terms varying from the definition of earth science, branches of science, origin of the world, and a long list of accomplished Filipino scientists. Filipinos started their search by typing in specific keywords such as foreign biologists and their contributions, mga teorya ng mundo, main division of science, and pinagmulan ng daigdig.
  • Physical Education is popularly searched for by students from Cebu, Davao del Sur, and Rizal, with the keyword what is physical education. Other search terms under this topic include history, objectives, and components.

2 comments:

  1. [...] Google Searches By Filipino Students | I-CAFÉ PILIPINAS [...]

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Internet has given us the means to share and promote knowledge, the fact is, that we are witnessing a new age- paperless knowledge. like a tool for any job, students today have the tool of instant knowledge, the internet. As search engines have been emptying libraries for years, education has been on the rise.

    Students resort to search engines to answer questions, do research, projects, term papers, facts never change so teaching them remains the same. So if teaching stays the same you will notice some of the lessons you may have done in school pop up in the results of your favorite search engine.

    As for libraries, with all due respect to libraries like the ones I was used to, I cant help but bring up the old adage; Be Careful What You Wish For...SSSHHH (quiet). Unfortunately now a days if you do hear noise at a library its probably coming from the computer room.

    ReplyDelete

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