Beginning a Form

Before you begin creating a form, you will want to determine what type of data you wish to collect. Keep in mind that there are many types of questions you can ask:

Text - This will collect text in a single box.

Paragraph Text - This will allow for a larger text box and a longer answer.

Multiple Choice - This allows for selection of a single answer from a list. ("other" with a text box is available)

Check Boxes - This allows selection of multiple options ("other" with a text box is available)

Choose from a List - This creates a drop-down menu from which to select.

Scale - Shows a range of values from which a selection is made.

Grid - A list of selections is listed across the top, with choices going down the side.

Other things to consider:

• If you are collecting names, or other items you may wish to sort, include multiple questions such as:

  • first name and last name separately

  • street address seperate from city and/or zip (allows to sort by city)

• Each question allows for "Help Text". Using help text will help keep your answers uniform. Some examples:

  • question: phone help text: (999)-999-9999

  • question: date help text: Please enter in the form: mm/dd/yyyy

  • question: check list help text: check all that apply

• Consider a "Choose from a List" when you want to be able to sort responses by group. Some examples:

  • If you ask what building someone works in, give them a drop-down list. This way you won't get answers like, "high school, senior high, hs, sr. high" which won't sort well.

  • If you ask for a graduation year, consider a drop-down list. Otherwise, you might get "1999, '99, 99" etc. which won't sort well.

• Once you have a plan for which data you want to collect, log into Google Docs. If you are using your district account, log into: http://mail.flaschools.org

• Click on the "documents" link at the top.