Google Forms is a tool for creating online surveys. This tool allows for flexibility in the kind of questions asked, the layout of the survey, and the special features that can be included (such as video). Google Forms offers a variety of templates to save time, and there is also an option to start from scratch. When building surveys, users can choose from multiple choice questions, Likert scale questions, check boxes, and many more questioning styles. The questions can be moved around in order to change the layout. Additionally, it is possible to embed videos and images, allowing those taking the survey to answer questions that correspond to the embedded items. The appearance of the survey itself can be altered by using backgrounds and color schemes that fit specific themes.
While Google Forms is not exclusively used for educational purposes, many of its features make it useful for a school environment. Within the Danielson Framework, Google Forms are the most valuable for Domain 1: Planning and Preparation. One application of Google Forms is getting to know students better (Element A) by offering short answer responses tied into their personal experiences or opinions. Furthermore, another application of surveys is to discover student expectations for the course, allowing teachers to address these needs while framing them in the intended instructional outcomes (Element C). This tool can also be used to create assessments (Element F). These can include quizzes, exit tickets, and checks for understanding. Google Forms has an immense capacity to gather information, which makes the tool ideal for creating formative assessments.
In my future classroom, I could use Google Forms for gathering parent information and addressing concerns. Parents who answer the survey can indicate which times they are available for teacher meetings and include their preferred method of communication, as well as elaborate on what they expect their child to learn or take away from the course. Another way I would use Google Forms is for brief checks of understanding that will allow me to adjust my teaching to match student needs. From the information my surveys gather, I can find out if I need to review material, or if it is time to move on to the next concept. It may even be possible to discern the particular area that students struggle with the most. Google Forms are easy to create, and do not take much time, especially for those who are more experienced. As a result, they could be a regular part of formative assessment in the classroom.
References:
The Danielson Group. The Framework. Retrieved from http://www.danielsongroup.org/framework/
Google. Google Forms. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/forms/about/
While Google Forms is not exclusively used for educational purposes, many of its features make it useful for a school environment. Within the Danielson Framework, Google Forms are the most valuable for Domain 1: Planning and Preparation. One application of Google Forms is getting to know students better (Element A) by offering short answer responses tied into their personal experiences or opinions. Furthermore, another application of surveys is to discover student expectations for the course, allowing teachers to address these needs while framing them in the intended instructional outcomes (Element C). This tool can also be used to create assessments (Element F). These can include quizzes, exit tickets, and checks for understanding. Google Forms has an immense capacity to gather information, which makes the tool ideal for creating formative assessments.
In my future classroom, I could use Google Forms for gathering parent information and addressing concerns. Parents who answer the survey can indicate which times they are available for teacher meetings and include their preferred method of communication, as well as elaborate on what they expect their child to learn or take away from the course. Another way I would use Google Forms is for brief checks of understanding that will allow me to adjust my teaching to match student needs. From the information my surveys gather, I can find out if I need to review material, or if it is time to move on to the next concept. It may even be possible to discern the particular area that students struggle with the most. Google Forms are easy to create, and do not take much time, especially for those who are more experienced. As a result, they could be a regular part of formative assessment in the classroom.
References:
The Danielson Group. The Framework. Retrieved from http://www.danielsongroup.org/framework/
Google. Google Forms. Retrieved from https://www.google.com/forms/about/