Unlocking the Power of Looker Studio: A Teacher’s Journey into Data Visualization

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, leveraging technology for effective data management is becoming increasingly crucial. This conversation between Chris, a teacher offering an online data course, and Derek, one of his students, sheds light on the transformative journey of integrating Looker Studio into the educational framework. Derek, currently serving as an Instructional Facilitator of Technology, shares insights into his role, the challenges he faced, and how Looker Studio has become an instrumental tool in his day-to-day responsibilities.

The conversation

Chris:

Can you provide some insights into your current role? What is your official title, and which type of school are you affiliated with? Additionally, could you share how you landed in your current position?

Derek:

Certainly, my current title is Instructional Facilitator of Technology, formerly known as a Technology Resource Teacher until a couple of years ago. This role has been a staple in our county for the past 25 years, mandated by the state based on student population. Before this, I served as a high school Spanish teacher. Afterward, I transitioned to our Research Office in the county, where, as the School Improvement Coordinator, I spent four years delving into spreadsheet data – a completely new experience for me. My primary responsibility there was data analysis and presentation, alongside managing several district programs like AVID. Following that stint, I felt the pull to return to working in a school setting, and I’ve been in my current position for the past seven years.

Chris:

You mentioned being from Chicago originally. How did you end up in your current location?

Derek:

I began my teaching career in Franklin, Tennessee, where I taught for four years. I then spent two years teaching in Beaufort County, SC, where I also took on the role of webmaster for Hilton Head High School. Learning about the innovative nature of Fairfax County, Virginia, and its growth potential, I applied and eventually secured a position in Loudoun County, which is the next county west of Fairfax – I’ve now been here for 17 years.

Chris:

You’ve been utilizing Looker Studio for quite some time. Can you elaborate on a current project you’re working on?

Derek:

Certainly. I’ve been immersed in a project since I started in the middle school division seven years ago, focused on enhancing our master schedule. Traditionally, the schedule was a cumbersome spreadsheet, making it challenging for administrators to locate individuals throughout the day. Recognizing the need for improvement, I embarked on refining it over the past few years. After taking your course, I saw an opportunity to streamline the process into a more easily updatable format. The recent features from Looker Studio have made it simpler for staff to find open rooms during a period or determine where a person is teaching. This led to the creation of a comprehensive dashboard that caters to everyone’s needs.

Previously, we relied on a spreadsheet for this information, but it became chaotic when multiple users accessed it simultaneously. Filtering or hiding columns caused issues, making it frustrating for users.

Chris:

Can you walk me through how teachers might utilize this dashboard?

Derek:

Absolutely. Administrators find the enhanced dashboard more visually appealing, with section codes, nicknames, and other details readily available. For the database setup, I imported standardized staff information, making it easy to match names and details. Despite some staff changes during the summer, the framework is set up for updates once the hiring process is finalized.

The main dashboard provides an overview of everyone, and users can select individual staff to view their schedules for A and B days. It addresses the challenge of varying room availability and staff movement between classrooms, providing a comprehensive solution.

Chris:

How do you plan to introduce this tool to the staff, and have you seen any initial reactions?

Derek:

I haven’t officially announced it to the staff yet, as the schedule isn’t 100% accurate at this point. I plan to finalize it a week before the staff returns for the school year. I’ve already integrated it into our internal Google site, which serves as a hub for staff information. While there haven’t been any hits yet, counselors have expressed their enthusiasm for the tool.

Chris:

Thinking about future projects, do you have any other ideas or plans?

Derek:

I’ve discussed with a colleague the possibility of creating a database for instructional resources, such as lesson plans and videos. We currently have fragmented resources, and compiling them in one location for easy access would be beneficial. This is an area where there is room for improvement, and I hope to work on it soon.

Chris:

Reflecting on your decision to take this course, what factors influenced your choice, and did you come across any alternatives during your search?

Derek:

My search began with Google’s introductory content on Looker Studio, which provided some basic information but lacked depth. I explored a few free online courses, but they were generic and business-oriented. Your course stood out as the only one tailored for educators, which was exactly what I needed. The Google Events announcement further piqued my interest, and I found the course through a specific search for Data Studio education.

Chris:

As someone who has completed the course, is there anything you’d like to see in a more advanced version?

Derek:

If there were to be a more advanced course, I’d be interested in delving deeper into specific functionalities and advanced techniques. Exploring ways to optimize the educational application of Looker Studio further would be beneficial. Overall, I found the course extremely valuable, and any extension or advanced content would be welcomed.

I think exploring more advanced charts and providing examples for different types of data representation, like Sankey charts, would be beneficial. Additionally, delving into the usage of parameters in Looker Studio would be interesting.

Chris:

Encouraging people to join the course is something I’m passionate about because I believe it brings substantial benefits. For someone on the fence, what do you think could help them understand the value of the course, especially if they’re in a similar line of work?

Derek:

When considering the cost and whether they’ll use it, it’s essential to think about the impact it could have on their daily tasks. In our schools, where each one has someone in a role similar to mine, promoting the course can make a significant difference. I’ve tried introducing it at our monthly meetings, and while some colleagues use it at a basic level, others need to realize that it offers real-time data and is quick and easy to use. Over the last three years, my approach has evolved significantly due to the insights gained from the course.

Starting with the basics and gradually experimenting with the features can help users see the value of Looker Studio. Understanding how it saves time and simplifies data analysis can be a game-changer. For instance, in my school, principals emphasize data chats, but they often remain at a surface level. The course empowered staff to efficiently collect and analyze data, allowing them to focus on developing action plans.

Chris:

As we conclude, is there anything else you’d like to share or any additional questions you have?

Derek:

Having a basic understanding of the software before taking the course proved beneficial. Familiarity with the layout and terminology allowed me to grasp the examples more effectively. While the course didn’t go too fast, I believe a prerequisite should be some prior exposure to the software. Also, consider sending out the link to the self-paced course a bit earlier as one week might not be sufficient for busy participants.

Chris:

That’s a great point, and I appreciate the feedback. Thank you for sharing your experience and providing valuable insights. I hope this discussion helps others make informed decisions about joining the course.

Empowering Educators with Looker Studio

Derek’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of Looker Studio in an educational context. The course not only equipped him with the necessary skills but also inspired him to innovate within his role. Looker Studio has the potential to revolutionize data management in education. To those considering exploring this transformative tool, I encourage educators and school leaders to join the Google Looker Studio for Educators and School Leaders course. It’s not just a course; it’s a gateway to unlocking the full potential of data-informed decision-making in education.