Google Spreadsheets and Forms

I have been spending a lot of time playing with Google Docs and I am very impressed. There are a lot of resources for help but no single tutorials. I can understand why since the applications are constantly being changed and improved but this makes it a bit hard on someone who is trying it out for the first time.

I’m going to start sharing some of the information I find on this blog.

Today we are going to learn about Google Spreadsheets and Forms.

You can create a spreadsheet from scratch in Google Docs or you can upload one from your computer. There is a list of functions available for Google Spreadsheets. I will spend more time on that later. Today I want to tell you how to create a form than can be shared. When folks fill out the form and click the submit button, the data automatically populates the spreadsheet you create before you send it out. Here are the basic steps (courtesy of Google)

Features: Creating forms

You can create a form from any spreadsheet. Just follow these instructions:

1. Open a new spreadsheet.
2. Save the spreadsheet.
3. Click the Share tab.

1. Under ‘Invite people:’ choose the radio button to fill out a form.

1. Click Start editing your form…

In the form template that opens, you can add any questions and options you’d like.

1. Click the Next, choose recipients tab. Here, you can add email addresses, a custom confirmation message, and choose whether you want people to see the responses.
2. When you’re finished, click Send.

There is so much more you can do but this is good way to try things out.

Some uses for this feature?

1. Planning an event - check schedules or compile a list of who can bring what

2. Create a poll

3. Give a quiz

4. Send out field trip parent forms

5. Collect addresses and phone numbers for a club

I know there are more - can you think of some??