How to Use the Google Data Studio

This blog post is sponsored by Acer Education, a partner of EdTechTeam.

Google Data Studio is a free product that is part of the Google Marketing Platform. The program allows you to analyze any data from a range of sources, including Google Sheets, without needing to code. There is a range of options to customize your data so that it is displayed as meaningfully as possible; for example, you can create an interactive report or a live dashboard that will update automatically. 

Features

You have a range of options to add data from a number of sources.

There is a range of tables and charts you can add to Data Studio reports. You will be familiar with them if you have used a spreadsheet software before.

Any element in your report can be made report-level. Simply right-click on an object and select “make report-level” from the menu. 

Feel free to customize your report further by adding additional pages and playing with the report-level or page-level options.

You can also create permanent filters on tables, charts, and scorecards that a user cannot change.

Sharing

The following options are ways to share your reports with others:

Get report link – This feature gives you a link to the report to share. You will need to ensure that link sharing is on for others to access your report. You can also create a link to the current view of your report, so for example, if you have used a filter control you can send a link to the report with those filter options already selected (rather than the user having to select them).

Embed report – Gives you an embed code that you can copy and paste onto a website, for example.

Download report – Allows you to download the report as a PDF. There are some additional options to set up a password for the PDF or include a link to the live report. 

The share options that you select are up to you and will depend on the type of report that you have created. 

Tips & Hints

Here’s some additional information about adding Google Sheets to Data Studio: 

Tip #1: You can add any spreadsheet to Data Studio but you need to ensure that each column has a unique name. This means that Data Studio is able to isolate the information for a report and make sure the correct information is displayed.

Tip #2: A good type of spreadsheet to add is a spreadsheet linked to a Google Form. This means that your Data Studio report will update every time a new response to the form is added. You will also be able to filter the results by the timestamp and see how responses have changed over time.

Tip #3: If you would like to learn more, enroll in our  ‘Google Data Studio’ online course! Feel free to make a copy of this Google Sheet template:  “Data Studio Demo material”  to use along with the course.

 

Quick Links:

• Google’s Data Studio Help

Explore and apply the novel tools that educators are using to integrate technology in the classroom with more free online courses, sponsored by ACER. https://www.edtechteam.online/acer 

 

Darren Simons is a lecturer in initial teacher training for the University of Suffolk at Suffolk New College and a developmental coach. He is module leader for curriculum design and specializes in integrating technology enhanced learning into the curriculum. He is a Google Certified Trainer and Innovator. He creates and develops CPD programs for staff of all levels focusing on technology and educational research.