Survey Says...

Today was the last day of the school year.  I normally like to ask students questions about how they like being in my ELA class. I usually have students hand write their responses.  I tell them that their responses are anonymous and not to write their name on the paper. Well to a degree this is true, but after a year of reading their writing I can figure out who said what.  I have recently learned how to create a survey using Google Forms (another amazing Google tool) after watching a short tutorial.  I have embedded the survey below.

Now, I would like to give this to my students without them going to my blog or typing in the long link to the form.  Running short on time, I decided to create a new wall in Padlet and paste the form's URL there as a link.  Before publishing the wall, I changed the settings to "view only" so that no one could modify the document.  Now I am ready for their responses!

Padlet Link to Survey

I am sure there is an easier way to send students to the form, but I do not know how at this time. Also, since I have created my first survey using this tool I am wondering what else I can use with Google Forms.  Anyone have any ideas? Please share.

My Padlet is Your Padlet

In my last EDUC 584, last I was introduced to a new collaborative tool called Padlet.  By far this is one of the easiest online tools that I have used.  Padlet has many user-friendly features and you can get started using it immediately.  You just need to create an account and you’re on your way.

First, I love the auto save feature, however, this takes some getting used to because I am programmed to always save my work before I exit out.  Second, you can easily attach a link to YouTube or any other website.  You can upload pictures and word documents right onto the wall.  Third, you can create a private wall for only your students to post on and can open up the permissions so that others can change what you have written.  Lastly, I love the layout and wallpapers they provide.  You can allow students to post in a free form or stream layout.   

I love Padlet so much I decided to try it on my return to school.  I asked my students what were there plans for the summer.  I wrote the URL I created for their class on the board and they quickly figured out how to post and move their post around the wall.  Here is a screenshot of what they had to say about their summer plans.

Core 1/5 Padlet

For more ideas on ways to use Padlet in your classroom, look at Three Good Ways to Use Padlet in Your School.  The author suggests several ways to have students collaborate using Padlet that I plan to try before the end of the school year.

My only concern with Padlet is that if my students were to create their own accounts they could potentially use Padlet to send each other messages without my knowledge.  Nonetheless, I still think this is an effective collaborative tool.  I hope you decide to try it in your classroom.