Martin Hawksey: Google Developers Experts (GDE) Apps Script

GDE Apps ScriptSo as well becoming ALT’s Chief Innovation, Technology and Community Officer I’ve recently been recognised as a Google Developers Experts (GDE).

Google Developers Experts (GDEs) are experts in one or more Google developer technologies. The GDE program recognizes the exemplary work done by these rock stars for the Google Developers worldwide by inviting them to be part of the growing GDE community. GDEs are gurus, mentors and friends; they are developers just like you. Visit the member directory to find an expert in the products you care about. Google Developers Experts speak in local and global events, have a strong online presence and an excellent technical background in their field. These independent developers bring their real-world experience and knowledge working with Google technologies to developer communities worldwide.

It was a pleasant surprise to be approached by Google to become a GDE and throughout the interview process I highlighted that I didn’t consider myself to be a ‘developer’. If I was to give myself a label it would be ‘hacker’ … in the non-pejorative sense:

A hacker is someone who loves to program or who enjoys playful cleverness, or a combination of the two.[3] The act of engaging in activities (such as programming or other media[4]) in a spirit of playfulness and exploration is termed hacking. However the defining characteristic of a hacker is not the activities performed themselves (e.g. programming), but the manner in which it is done: Hacking entails some form of excellence, for example exploring the limits of what is possible,[5] thereby doing something exciting and meaningful.[4] Activities of playful cleverness can be said to have “hack value” and are termed hacks[5] – from Wikipedia

The product I’ve mostly be ‘hacking’ with is Google Apps Script and having picked up this early after launch in 2010 it’s been useful to develop my own skills as the product develops as well. Its interesting times for Apps Script and it’s noticeable in my circles that latest developments like add-ons has ignited the interest in using this tool to personalise the way teachers educate. Even more inspiring is it’s not just the teachers as Scripts are for Kids, too!
So there you go those 100 posts, over 450 scoops, numerous presentations and other community activity have finally paid off. And guess what I’m really looking forward to the next 100 hacks, scoops and presentations…
Finally, remember I’m available for a speaking engagement near you… 😉

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comment 5 comments
  • Sheila MacNeill (@sheilmcn)

    Get you Mr Rock Star:-) Seriously well done – great to see Google recognising the great work you do with their products. You can come and chat to me me anytime . . . tea and biscuits always available . .

    • Martin Hawksey

      I benefit from having been a member of the ‘glasgow supergroup’ 😉

  • dkernohan

    *applause* and a badge too! Yay!

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