The use of Google Forms in the classroom is growing every day. Teachers are using this simple tool to engage students, assess their progress, evaluate their growth, collect data, and SO much more. Here are a few of my favorite hidden secrets, tips, tricks, ideas, and hacks for using this tool with your students.
I’m going to start with the basics for anyone just getting started and then move to more “advanced” tips toward the end. Feel free to scroll through and read what looks most interesting to you. Also, if you would like some classroom resources that are already set up in Google Forms, check out these Digital Spiral Reviews!
Getting Started with Google Forms
There are lots of trends in education. However, using technology in the classroom is not one of them. Google Forms is just one way teachers are making learning more meaningful and simplifying the process of teaching. Google apps are actually making the lives of teachers less complicated while also benefiting the student. If you are thinking about using Forms in your classroom, you are in the right place.
What Are Google Forms?
Chances are, you’ve used them when filling out a survey of some sort. Google Forms were created so that the user can quickly ask questions and collect information from others. That’s it! Simple!
Benefits of Google Forms in the Classroom
Don’t let the simplicity of this resource fool you. Google Forms can be a powerful tool in any classroom. Here are just a few of the main benefits:
- Save Time – This is my favorite and could really be broken down into an entire blog post on its own. The primary way Forms save teachers time is by automatically grading quizzes and classroom activities. This is HUGE in the teacher world.
- Collect Data – Yes! Forms can collect data. As your students complete activities, you can export all results to a spreadsheet, and voila…instant data.
- Keep You Organized – Fewer papers means less to keep organized. You can use Google Forms to help manage your classroom. Send home a survey for parents or use them for a class poll. By reducing the number of papers you are using, you will be able to avoid that massive pile of papers on every teacher’s desk.
How to Get Started (#thebasics)
First, you must have a Google account. Luckily, these are free, and most people already have one. If you don’t, you can sign up here.
Next, go to your Google Drive and start a new document. You’ll have lots of choices, but you should select “Google Forms” from the choices.
You have a Form on your Google Drive, but what now? Watch the video below to see how to get started with creating questions and changing some of the more important settings.
Google Forms: Playing with the Settings
Don’t let the word “settings” intimidate you. While there are lots of choices in the settings area, they are simple to work with. You can choose to allow students to see their results right away, or you can leave them special feedback depending on their answer. This is also where you can turn on that AMAZING self-grading option! This video goes through some of my favorite settings.
Changing Up Question Types
One of my favorite things about creating resources with Google Forms is the wide variety of question types you can use. Of course, I love a good multiple-choice or short answer question like every other teacher, but there is so much more! This video will show you how to use each question type currently offered.
Adding Images and Videos
While adding images and videos isn’t necessary for all activities, a good visual may be just what you need. Watch this video to see how I add in images, link to YouTube videos, and even include full passages with my activity.
Sharing with Students
Once you’re done setting up your Google Form, you’ll need to share it with your students. Here are a few tips for sharing with your students.
How to Collect Data
This is my fav! Google Forms make it so easy to collect data on students. You can then use that data to help determine which students need reteaching or how to group students for future instruction. Let me show you what I mean.
Google Forms Resources
I am currently creating SO MANY resources for Google Forms! Click here to check them out!
Try them for FREE! Just click the button below and I’ll give you access to my freebies!
If you are using Google Forms in the classroom, I hope these tips will help you make the most of this amazing tool! For even more digital ideas, check out my list of free digital resources for Google Classroom.
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