The bus was parked in front of the Von KleinSmid Center.

Photo/Dietmar Quistorf

On Sept. 9, Google launched its nationwide tour of the Google “App to School” bus at USC. Sponsored by USC Information Technology Services, the event drew 700 students who visited the Google tent and bus during the course of the day near Trousdale Parkway.

A nearby tent contained various computer-demonstration stations, where students asked questions, shared their experiences using Google Apps and signed up for Google Apps at USC accounts. Visitors walked away with free Google T-shirts, tip cards, Frisbees, candies and other goodies.

Designed as a fun, interactive lounge space, the interior of the Google bus was flanked by long, sleek couches and bean bags in Google’s signature colors of red, yellow, green and blue.

White boards covered the walls toward the rear of the bus, and a video monitor played in the back. Once on the bus, students were met by Google tech representatives, who talked to them about Google Apps and invited them to write down their Google impressions in primary colors on the white boards or share their Apps experiences on video.

Since the launch of Google Apps at USC earlier this year, more than 12,000 students have signed up for Google Apps at USC accounts, which give them the benefits of Gmail and Google Apps while allowing them to retain their @usc.edu e-mail address.

Footage of the Google bus’ visit to USC can be seen on YouTube.