We continue to find ways in which Looker Studio, formerly known as Data Studio, can be used to help visualize data differently. (NOTE: In the example provided, no student data is used). For years, our Athletic Director at the high school posts a monthly schedule of all sport practices, games/meets, team meetings etc that happen as to way to make sure that all athletes and parents are on the same page. But how can we make this schedule experience better? Welcome Looker Studio.
The athletics schedule had always been created in a Google Sheet. The community was given view access each month so that they can scroll through and find the events that pertain to them. The one missing element was being able to sort the data easily. This meant that users had to scroll through all of the events and hope that they didn’t miss a practice or a game. The athletic director would hide dates once they passed so that those events no longer showed to help with the view of the sheet; meaning that once a date happened, the row was hidden. Below is a gif showing what one calendar view looked like:
It’s that time of year again…sharing out random Google tips in a short fun manner. 10 Days of Google is here! However, this year, I am changing the way in which I am sharing out the information. I have decided to push myself and create my first canva website to showcase the information. Each day will ‘appear’ on its own page. Rather than create a blog post for each day, I will be posting twice – highlighting the first 5 days and the last 5 days.
That is a great question! The following are highlighted in the first round:
Day 1: Google Docs – Linking files with Smart Chips and formatting text
Day 2: YouTube – Auto-translating text to a different language – this is especially helpful for students whose first language is not English or World Language teacher wanting to show a video in a different language but want to have English subtitles
Day 3: Tables in Google Docs – Features available with tables in Google Docs
Day 4: Google Form – Customizing font, embedding links and sharing survey results once completing a google form
Day 5: Google Classroom – Good reminders for students (and teachers) – copy a direct link to a Google Classroom assignment details, figure out what must be completed, and using originality report with Google Classroom assignments
This year, I have been spending a lot of time exploring around with the features Canva has to offer. This project has been great for me to learn how Canva websites work. I look forward to creating more in the future.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about what has been highlighted, you know where to find me.
Recently, I had the opportunity to work with the marketing teacher in school, Mrs. Wilczewski, where we wanted to help students analyze their data collection. In groups, students were asked to research a particular restaurant that could be opened in town. Students organized focus groups to gather some information. Additionally, each group created a Google Form to gather feedback through survey questions. Students were then asked to create a presentation about their findings for a new restaurant in town.
In talking more with Mrs. Wilczewski, we decided to curate all of the data from each of the 15 different restaurant groups and pull them into a Looker Studio (formerly known as Google Data Studio). To take a look at the Looker Studio, click HERE. A quick sample of what three of the pages look like can be seen below without launching the Looker Studio. NOTE: It is important to note that no PII is included with this Looker Studio. There is absolutely no student information being shared.
As a society, we are obsessed with consuming and creating content in short videos. As a digital learning specialist, I am wondering if we are reaching our learners and those that support our learners in the most effective way. Do we need to start thinking differently with how we present information? How can we do this in a safe manner that is efficient?
I co-teach a couple of graduate level courses for educators, and decided to start exploring alternatives to using TikTok. (Yes, our high school students are using the tool daily. Some of our teachers also use the tool for their own purposes or personal interests.) I decided to create a TikTok like video with Flip, using the mobile app. I have to be honest, I have been using Flip for years now, but I have not really focused much of my attention with the mobile app. While you don’t get all of the filters, songs and features that TikTok has to offer, Flip does do a good job in helping content creators make TikTok like videos.
Below are the norms from the class. You decide which you would prefer to interact or consume with:
Visual/Auditory Example: I decided to create a short video highlighting the class norms for the course I taught. In less than 90 seconds, students were able to understand what was expected of them in class. Click HERE to view the Flip video or click HERE to view on YouTube.
Traditional Google Doc Example: Below is a screenshot of what the Google Doc looked like that was posted in Google Classroom.
Image of Google Doc Format
Some advantages:
One could argue that a video is more engaging than reading a list off of a google document
Ability to add humor or show some creativity
Mimics similar style videos students and parents are viewing on social media apps
Flip is a safe space where students (and teachers) can create without needing a ‘TikTok’ account
Eliminates a user name on the video (as seen on TikTok videos)
In less than 90 seconds, students were able to understand what was expected of them in class.
Some issues:
It could take way more time creating a 90 second video instead of typing a list in a google doc
Not all creators enjoy hearing their voice in play back in class
Not all creators are willing to use their own personal mobile device to make a video (mobile app)
I enjoyed exploring around with this idea. I plan to continue making similar style videos when I need to share out content with students this year. Perhaps we will get more students paying attention to information being shared with them? Perhaps not. Only time will tell.
If you yourself have been exploring around with this format, I would love to hear from you. And that is my Spiel…
Craig M Sheil 