Flubaroo - Instantly Grade Online Assignments

Last week I discussed how to use Google forms for parent communication. If you are implementing 1:1, BYOD, or have at least a few computers for students to use in your classroom, Google forms can also be used for assignments and assessments. To learn how to create a Google form, check out my previous blog post here.  By using a form for assignments or assessments all of your student's answers will be organized in one spreadsheet for instant viewing and record keeping.

What about grading the responses within the spreadsheet? Currently the best choice is Flubaroo. Flubaroo is a Google Sheets add-on that grades student responses in less than a minute. By first inputting the correct responses into the answer spreadsheet, Flubaroo compares student responses to the correct answers and creates a graded spreadsheet within the workbook. After grading, Flubaroo will also give you the option to immediately email students their grades with or without an answer key. By combining Google forms and Flubaroo, formative assessment and immediate feedback can EASILY take place in your classroom in less than 30 minutes.

Previously, Flubaroo was a script that had to be written by the user to grade the form. However, it is now an add-on to the spreadsheet with no requirement for writing a script. In simple terms this means, install the add-on, link "Flubaroo" within the spreadsheet, answer a few questions, and the grading will begin. For a more thorough and visual explanation of Flubaroo, watch the 3 - minute video below.

As mentioned in the video, Flubaroo is an add-on that must be installed before using. To install the add-on, follow these steps: 

1. Open Google Sheets

2. Click add-on

3. Click get add-on

4. Search Flubaroo

5. Click +Free

6. Click Accept

If you are going to use Google Sheets and Flubaroo, I would suggest keeping a few things in mind. First make sure to have the student identify themselves either by writing in their names and email addresses, or by having it automatically recorded if you are using Google Apps for Education/Google Classroom. This option will be at the top of the form when you are creating it. Second, as soon as you create the form, complete the assignment by viewing the preview so that you will not forget to have the correct answers inputted for grading. Finally, as I mentioned in my previous post about forms, create a QR code with a link to the form for easy student access. The code can be placed on the IWB for everyone to scan, at the top of a worksheet, or on a paper posted by the door for when students enter/exit the classroom.   

Improve School - Home Communication with Google Forms

Google Forms has quickly become one of my favorite resources to use in my classroom. Forms is a Google Drive tool that can be used to create web surveys, questionnaires, quizzes, tests, and more. Each form you create is connected to a spreadsheet with time stamped responses. These responses, or results, can be tracked, sorted, and even automatically graded. Setting up a form takes as little as 5 minutes and can be revised at any time. As with all Google Drive products, forms are saved in real-time and sent to collaborators. If you have not used Google Forms before, click here for a step-by-step tutorial. 

Teachers are always on the look out for ways they can improve the home-school communication. Forms are a simple, yet extremely effective way to do this. By setting up various forms at the beginning of the school year all of your student's information can be at your fingertips 24/7. After setting up a form, the results spreadsheet is automatically created and accessible from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. 

So how can you use forms to magically solve all your communication problems? Simple! Here are six suggestions for using Google forms... 

1. Student Information Sheet: Instead of, or in addition to parents completing a hard copy form with the student's personal information, provide the option for filling out the paperwork online. For those that choose to complete a hard copy, you can input their responses into the form or spreadsheet so that all of the information is organized in one spot. See my example here. 

2. All About Me Questionnaire: As each new group of students walks through our doors each year, we all do different things to get to know our students. If you are implementing BYOD or 1:1 this would be a great way for your students to quickly fill out information about themselves. For easy access to the form in this instance, create a QR code with a link to the form for students to scan as they enter the room, read their syllabus, or complete registration information.

3. Volunteer Sign-Ups: The beginning of the year is filled with sign-up sheets... PTO, classroom volunteers, snack donations, sports team order forms, the list could go on and on. Organize all of the responses easily by creating a form for people to fill out. As mentioned above, a QR code could be created for easy access, as well as posting a link to the form on your school website.

4. Parent Communication Form: Last year I created a form that tracks all of my communication with parents. The form is very simple and includes the child's name, type of communication, and response from parent. Each time I communication with a parent, I document it on the form. Then if I'm asked by my principal to turn in parent communication documentation I can easily print off the spreadsheet. The best thing about this form is that I am able to put a link on the homescreen of my iPhone, iPad, and desktop computer. Now no matter where I am (especially if I'm at home and forgot to write down when I spoke with a parent during the day, I can enter in the communication. This form can be used for both informal and formal communication, such as parent/teacher conferences. Click here to see my example. 

5. Parent-Teacher Conferences: Signing up for parent-teacher conferences can be simplified by using Google forms. Create a sign-up sheet, post through a QR code, post on a website, send a link through your class Remind account, or email to parents. I would suggest asking for parents email address in the sign-up as they will be hyperlinked in your response spreadsheet. This will make it easy for you to click on their email address and send them notification of their conference times.

6. Multiple Class Forms: If you have multiple class periods but would like all information from your classes in one spreadsheet, click here to find out how to create a form from a spreadsheet. You will want to first set up your spreadsheet with class period tabs (similar to Microsoft Excel) and then create your form from the spreadsheet. 

I outlined in the suggestions ways that forms can be shared with others, but here is a quick reference list as well.

Share Forms By: 

1. Embedding the Form on a website

2. Providing a link to the Form on a website

3. Create a QR code with the link to the Form to put in paperwork

4. Sharing through email or social media

5. Sending link to form through class Remind account

If you have any added suggestions for using Google forms please share! I would love to hear your ideas!