Google forms

Google Doc uh... Drive is such an eye opening idea it has made purchasing software seem silly.  Many or our teachers are already using G-Docs and having students use it too.  But what about Google Forms?

First of all What the Heck is Google Drive? It used to be called Google Docs.  Create an account at Google and you can also create Docs (Documents) which are similar in all look and feel and can even be downloaded as Microsoft Word. PowerPoint and Excel files.  The two BIGGEST reason to use this tool...

1. It is stored in the cloud.  No saving to jump/thumb drives.  No e-mailing it home... Etc.  Just log on to your Google from any device and edit your document!  Yes, even a smart phone.
2. Share it and have others work on your paper.  It is called collaboration.  Share the link with the teacher when you are finished to to turn it it.  No printing and wasting paper and ink...
3. Oh, and It's free

Docs is pretty simple and I'd be happy to teach you and your students the details.  What are the details?  The "fun" part of my job is that so many of these sites change where there links are and what you can do that by the time I type up instructions it may have changed!  It is much easier to show you and have you play than to type it out.

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So what about forms?

Forms is a "doc" on Google Drive.  I am sure you have filled a form out before - now it is your chance to create   one.  Start by Clicking on "Create" and chose "Form".  You will get some options and it is pretty straight forward.  But I would keep it simple.  The best thing about this form is that the supplied answers will fill in a spread sheet for you.  So keep that in mind - Each Question you ask becomes a column across the top and each response is a row.

The hard part is deciding what to use it for.  So on the right are some ideas.  Please add your own in the comments.
There is no need to ask for time or date as that will automatically be recorded.  You can also stop collecting data at any time. And you can have your patrons see the results.. or not.

Suggestions

Be sure to always as for the period, Last name AND first name in separate questions so that you can sort your spreadsheet that way.
Do not ask long questions.  You question will fill in your top row.  Use the help box for details.  It is ignored in the spreadsheet.

Ideas for forms.

• Disclosure Statements - Have kids ..er Parents fill out the form saying they read your disclosure. Add name and contact info too.  (I have detailed instructions on this)
  
• Field trip chaperons. 
• Inventory of who has something.
• Book requests
• Mileage form
• Collect student created websites or on-line documents (links) that they created.
• Lock Down survey.
• Lab data collection.  Students have their own data but add to the groups bigger data collection.
  Book numbers.
  Locker numbers
  ANY data you want in a spreadsheet
  

Other links/ideas