Changing how we do things can seem like a daunting task, especially when we’ve found a routine that works for us. I used to always write my end of semester reports in Microsoft Word on my desktop computer because that’s what I’ve always done and that’s how I completed all of my university assignments. This was back in 2002 when I first started my bachelor’s degree for those of you who might be slightly younger than I am. As I began to use by mobile devices more often, I realised that I was not always confined to the shackles of my desk at night. A new world of possibilities opened to me and I realised that there was a better way of doing things. So here are 3 ways Google Docs can help with your end of semester reports.

Write Your Reports Anywhere

The Google Docs word processor is a cloud-based application. This means that your documents, in this case your reports, are not automatically saved to your device’s hard drive but on Google’s server. If you have access to another computer, cellular signals on your SMART phone or a Wi-Fi signal then you have access to your end of semester reports. Google docs can be freely down loaded onto your SMART phone or tablet device. This means that you can write out your reports sitting down on the couch or when lying in bed. I do a lot of tutoring and sometimes my sessions are cancelled at the last minute. These cancellations have allowed me time to finish off a couple of comments in between sessions. You can also add to this any situation where you might be waiting e.g. when waiting for a haircut or when waiting for a doctor. These times are perfect for finishing off a couple of comments. If you implement this habit, then the task of writing out your reports will be over sooner.

Get Feedback from Admin Sooner Rather Than Later

A few teachers might be reluctant to implement this change but hear me out. I personally recommend that you create a shareable folder with admin so they can see a copy of your reports or at least a sample of your writing in Google Docs. If you don’t know how to create a shareable folder but are interested in learning how, then read my blog ‘3 Ways Google Drive Can Help Teachers’. The benefit of this strategy is that admin can provide you with feedback about the direction of your reporting style to see if you are on the right track. I recommend that you do this if you have a new line manager or if your school is changing the reporting style it expects from teachers. There is nothing worse than having to completely change your reporting style at the last minute.

Google Docs = Microsoft Word

The writing style of an end of semester report does not require all the bells and whistles of a paid program. All you really need to do is to type the thing out and maybe keep a table or two to track data. Having used Google docs for three years I have not come across an essential functionality required for writing reports on either program that has locked me into using one word processor over the other. So, in this regard Google Docs is comparable to Microsoft Word. You could also say the same for Pages; however, I hardly ever use Apple’s word processing application. Lastly you can also install a Chrome Extension that enormously helps with the editing phase of writing. It’s a text to speech program called ‘Read Aloud’ and it works perfectly with Google Docs. If you’re interested in this reporting hack then click here to read ‘Level Up Your Writing With Text to Speech Programs’.

So, there are 3 ways Google Docs can help you with your end of semester reports. If you liked this blog or anything else on our website then leave a comment on social media or click on the contact us webpage to send me an email. I love to receive any feedback about how this website has helped you or if you have any suggestions about how this website can be improved.

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