Though I’ve written this post specifically for Google Forms™ in the distance learning classroom, the same concepts can be applied to Microsoft Forms™ if you are a Microsoft school. At the time of this post, it is not possible to migrate from Google to Microsoft. You would need to recreate your Google Forms™ on Microsoft.
There are a multitude of ways to use Google Forms™ as we socially distance and continue remote (or hybrid) learning. Here’s what I’ve got so far:
Self-grading assignments
Task cards are a HUGE part of my instructional practice. Sanitation wise, they aren’t made for socially distanced learning. To minimize germ spread (and grading, because hello!) I’ve put them into self-checking forms. There’s even options within Forms to provide feedback after each response, wait until the end to release scores, create bite-size sections, and much more.
SUGGESTIONS: bellringer/anticipatory set to a lesson, task cards, classwork, homework, tests, quizzes, exit ticket/lesson closure, etc.
Social-emotional check-ins
Remote learning is hard on everyone. It may be difficult for students to regulate their emotions. Even if they can name their feelings, talking about them may be a whole other story. Digital daily check ins allow for every student to privately let you know what’s on their mind. I love the data provided in the response tab. At a glance, I can see which students are struggling that day and need a little extra TLC.
Games
Escape rooms and breakout activities typically done face-to-face can be modified for the digital classroom. The data validation option in Google Forms™ can create a series of “locks” for escape rooms. This makes it so students must type the correct answer in order to submit the form and “escape.” Be sure to provide students specific instructions for entering the combinations. Data validation is case sensitive and penalizes misspellings!
Something else I’ve seen teachers do is Choose Your Own Adventure type stories, comparable to the What Should Danny Do? book series (affiliate link). With a technique called branching, you can create these kinds of activities in Forms™. As a creative writing assignment, students can even make their own! Utilize the “go to section based on answer” option on your multiple-choice questions.
Polls and Surveys
Teachers love data… we just don’t like sifting through it! When you create polls and surveys using Forms™ you get a visual representation of the responses. There are two options: individual student or whole class responses. Either one you choose produces auto-generated graphs, pie charts, and lists that can be exported to Google Sheets™ if spreadsheets are more your jam.
What kinds of surveys and polls could you use with students? Here’s a short list of ideas:
- Beginning of the Year/Getting to Know You Student Interest Forms
- Back to School Night Parent Information
- Reading Interest Questionnaires
- Would You Rather This or That Icebreakers
ACTIONABLE STEPS: Play around! Create Google Forms™ for your distance learning classroom. Have questions? I’m here to help! 🥰 For already made resources ready for purchase, visit my TpT store.
