BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO FORMS

Microsoft Forms is an easily accessible app that allows users to create a wide range of questionnaires, referred to in the programme as “forms”, which can be used for registrations, tests and polls. Forms can be integrated into PowerPoint slides, and you can choose to have the results displayed both in the app’s interface as well as in Excel sheets.

PEDAGOGICAL ADVANTAGES

Microsoft Forms can be used by you as a lecturer to activate students. For example, you can use it as a tool for quizzes in teaching, where you have the opportunity to gauge students’ level and adapt your teaching accordingly.

You can also create a Forms to share with students immediately before a lecture, where they can submit questions that you can answer continuously, after a break or at the next lecture. The possibility of submitting questions, potentially anonymously, means that students who are not comfortable expressing themselves verbally in plenary, or who may face other challenges, can be actively involved in teaching and have their questions answered.

Another way Forms can be used in teaching is as a tool for reflection exercises, where you as a lecturer can pose one or more reflection questions to students. If meaningful for you as a lecturer, you may use the responses to facilitate a discussion on the topic in plenary afterwards.

Furthermore, you can use Forms asynchronously, i.e. before or after your course, where students independently complete a Form. You can use it before the course to gauge students’ level, or afterwards to see whether they have gained the intended learning outcomes. You can also send out a Form after teaching, asking students to evaluate the session, thereby obtaining input for planning the next session.

ACCESS

Microsoft Forms is part of the Office 365 suite. If you wish to access Office 365, you can find information on how to log in here.