Using Google Forms is an effective way to gather data from groups. [1] It allows respondents to submit answers that are automatically recorded in a spreadsheet. [2] The creator can then sort, extract, and analyze the collected data with ease. [3] Getting started only requires setting up a free Google account to access Forms and other collaborative Google apps.

1. Using Google’s Forms To
Gather Data from a Group
by N4FTD, Paul

2. Start Here...
• start by looking at a completed form (a sample)
at the URL below
• open this form in a separate browser window, so
you have this presentation and the sample form
opened side-by-side
• here’s the sample form’s URL (click on it):
https://spreadsheets.google.com:443/a/smls5.com/viewform?formkey=dG82UzduNXI2dDRZdjd0bVAycVFabmc6MA..

3. The form
creation
tool looks
like this...

4. The form looks
like this to an
end user...
• You provide your
respondent with the
URL
• They open up form
in a web browser
• Type their answers
• and click submit....

5. Here’s what they see after
pressing SUBMIT:

6. Here’s what you see as a
result:

7. Why would I use this?
• Every new respondent who puts in their name,
callsign, and topic ideas generates a new line in
the spreadsheet
• You can sort the spreadsheet by callsign
• You can extract their ideas (copy/paste into
another document if needed)
• Unlimited use for data mining on a variety of
topics

8. How to get this started
• Create a google account (begin with a free
gmail account)
• All the other google apps comes with your free
account
• Best of all, you can “collaborate” in the creation
of google apps (or, google docs) with other
google account holders -- each of you can be
working on the same doc simultaneously!

9. Have fun!
• click here to learn more about google docs
• https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=writely&passive=true&nui=1&continue=http%3A
%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2F&followup=http%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com
%2F&ltmpl=homepage&rm=false