The Many Uses for Google Forms

By now most basic users of Goole are familiar with Docs and Slides, maybe even Sheets.  However, not as many, I've found, are familiar with Forms.  Like the other tools in Drive, Forms is very user-user friendly and can be set up to collect data for a variety of purposes.  I've used it to figure out the best time to schedule meetings, get feedback about curriculum, and evaluate the effectiveness of PD offerings. The results are pushed into a Google Sheet, but a summary of the results is available right in the form.  These quick view analytics are given in pie charts and/or bar graphs. Forms' uses span grade levels and content areas, so give it a try.

1. Scheduling
Whether it is teacher meetings or conferences, Forms can be used to determine availability and create schedules for a variety of events.  Parents can also sign up for class parent responsibilities using a form. The results (on a Google Sheet) can be shared to keep everyone organized.

2. Getting Feedback
Whether your are a teacher looking to get feedback on a lesson, or an administrator looking to plan curriculum revisions, Forms is the tool for you.

3. Formative Assessment
An entire blog could be devoted to using Forms for formative assessment, but just know that this tool can revolutionize your classroom when it comes to ascertaining students' learning and progress.  Teachers can use Forms to design quizzes and have instant feedback.  The "Summary of Results" is a powerful visual to answer the question "Are they getting it?" Then the spreadsheet with individual student responses can be used to see students' strengths and areas for growth.  The sheet can then be manipulated to group students or organize for optimal feedback. For those who are up to challenge themselves, Forms can also be used to create adaptive assessments so that a student's true level can be determined.

4. Flipping the Classroom
Just about anything can be embedded in a form, which makes it a great tool for flipping lessons.  You can embed video, link articles or websites, and then ask questions.  Students can submit their work and you can review prior to class so you're ready to take that deeper dive.

Try Forms. You will not regret it.