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How do we use the PLD tracking sheets if Google is blocked on our network?

This is a commonly encountered issue for QLD Government/Education departments.

Once you've signed up for PLD's tracking sheets via https://pld-literacy.org/plds-tracking-sheets/ you will receive an email with details about how to access the tracking sheets, including detailed instructions (on the first tab) and details about how to use the spreadsheet. This spreadsheet has been setup in Google Sheets (which makes it easy to collaborate with others), however we recognise that some school networks block access to some Google services, so here is how to work around this and still access the tracking spreadsheets.

Option 1: For schools where Google Docs are blocked

School leader/s can request through the school's IT Manager to contact the IT controller (e.g. OneSchool) to change permissions so staff can access PLD and the link for the tracking sheet using the department device and wifi.

Option 2: If you have access to a network that doesn't block Google (i.e. at home)

Connect your device to a network that does not block Google services.
Click on the link you received in the email.
Click 'File' and then select 'Download' and then choose the format in which you would like to download the spreadsheet. The most suitable format will likely be XLSX but you may need to speak with your IT Support person to find out what version is supported on your computer. If in doubt, download in XLSX format and see if you're able to open on your computer.

Option 3: If you don't have access to any other network

Click on this link and then click the 'Download' icon in the top right corner to download the spreadsheet onto your computer.

IMPORTANT | The steps above simply allow you to download the spreadsheets to your device, they do not provide you with access to collaborate on the document with your colleagues.

If you would like to do this, you will need to utilise a system that allows document collaboration, like Google Sheets (or a similar system ) as listed below.

PLD does not recommend the use of EXCEL.

Excel will not easily facilitate the whole school to be plotted on the one set of tracking sheets.
Excel will also not facilitate multiple teachers collaborating (accessing, processing, adding testing results and setting targeted teaching groups) simultaneously.

While we're unable to provide assistance with this your IT Support staff member (or school-service) should be able to point you in the right direction, while the following links might be a good place to start, depending on whether you are using Microsoft Teams, Microsoft 365 or a completely different system.

IMPORTANT - Unless the multiple classrooms are plotted on the one set of tracking sheets and shared via a cloud-based system, PLD will not be able to provide feedback and support. Providing feedback to individual classes using EXCEL is not what the PLD office can provide. We are more than happy to support schools when the above items have been implemented.

Updated on: 23/01/2024

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