Post date: Feb 19, 2018 2:44:39 AM
I have always encouraged non-teaching staff to use Google products. They allow such brilliant collaboration, data sharing, and ease of access from virtually any device. Recently though, I have taken this to the next level, by generating many of our administrative procedures in Google format. This has included Forms, Autocrat and Formmule for PD applications; Sheets with some pre-filled formulas for timetabling; and Docs for collaborative minute-taking.
Just today, I helped an admin staffer set up a collaborative spreadsheet to enable all the office staff to book interviews for incoming students. A process that, previously, was very messy and fraught with error, has been simplified and streamlined in 20 minutes, and most of that was just me explaining things and us changing the colours to look pretty! The added benefit is that this simple change will carry over to the physical procedures. Previously, people had to line up in specific places for specific timeslots. Anyone who has ever dealt with large numbers of people will know how difficult this is to manage! Now, they can line up in one big curved line, and every staff member will be equipped to help them with every query. The power of technology!
I strongly encourage other trainers not to overlook admin staff, groundstaff, tuckshop staff, library staff and teacher aides in your training programs. Not only do these people then have access to a really great suite of products, and develop their own skills, many of them are also parents who can then work with their children on these tools at home. Training for all should be a key aim of all trainers! Hooray for accessibility!!