If you're a teacher looking to get the most out of Google Docs, you've come to the right place. In our April 2024 'Innovative EdTech' workshop, "Google Docs Magic: 10 Google Docs Tips & Tricks Every User Should Know About," we explored some fantastic features that can help you streamline your work and enhance your productivity. Here's a summary of the top tips and tricks we covered.

1. Accessing Google Docs

There are multiple ways to create a new Google Docs document:

• Google Drive Dashboard: Go to your Google Drive and click on "New" to create a document.

• Omnibox Shortcut: Type docs.new in your browser's address bar for a quick start.

• Google Docs Homepage: Visit docs.google.com and start a new document from the landing page.

2. Adding More Fonts

Enhance your document’s appearance by adding custom fonts:

• Click on the font drop-down menu in the toolbar.

• Select "More fonts" to browse and add additional fonts to your list.

3. Voice Typing

Perfect for students who need extra support, the voice typing feature allows you to dictate text:

• Go to Tools > Voice typing.

• Click the microphone icon and start speaking. (Note: Ensure your microphone is enabled and working.)

4. Using Version History

Track changes and revert to previous versions easily:

• Go to File > Version history > See version history.

• View, name, and restore previous versions of your document.

5. Exploring the Template Library

Kickstart your projects with pre-made templates:

• Visit docs.google.com.

• Click on "Template gallery" to choose from a wide range of templates for resumes, reports, and more.

6. Utilising Drop-Down Menus

Create interactive documents with drop-down options:

• Go to Insert > Dropdown.

• Customise your dropdown options and use them in your document to categorise or list items.

7. Changing Page Setup

Customise your document layout:

• Go to File > Page setup.

• Adjust orientation, paper size, page colour, and margins. You can also switch to "Pageless" view for larger tables and images.

8. Adding Watermarks

Insert text or image watermarks to protect or brand your documents:

• Go to Insert > Watermark.

• Choose an image or add text, and customise its appearance and position.

9. Sharing Your Document

Control who can view, comment, or edit your document:

• Click the "Share" button in the top-right corner.

• Adjust settings for specific people or generate a shareable link with viewer, commenter, or editor permissions.

10. Downloading Documents

Download your Google Docs document in various formats:

• Go to File > Download.

• Choose from options like Microsoft Word, PDF, or even a web page format.

Final Thoughts

Google Docs is a versatile tool that can revolutionise your document creation and collaboration processes. Whether you're a seasoned user or new to Google Workspace, these tips and tricks will help you unlock the full potential of Google Docs. Experiment, explore, and see how these features can enhance your teaching and productivity.

If you would like to learn more about these tips, and many others watch the April episode of 'Innovative EdTech' now:

And, don't forget to stay connected with us at Evolve EdTech for more tips, resources, and updates. Visit our website, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and follow us on social media. Together, we can support our students and enrich their learning experiences through innovative educational technology.