Monday, February 22, 2016

I'm still Reaching

I was recently given a task by an administrator to create a Google Form. I was to include a simple description of a program we currently have and ask teachers to write how it should be updated with Common Core Standards. After considering the data flow and the amount of teachers who would be responding, I chose to create a more advanced Form. This simple task became my big project for my mid-winter recess break.

I ended up creating an eight page form with drop down menus (to eliminate the need for teacher data entry). On the bottom of each page I included a text box for comments or suggestions and made sure it was not required for them to input there.

Each page of my form became a discipline area. I realized the sheet that reflected the answers also needed to be altered in order for the data to be sorted and readable. I created tabs along the bottom of the sheet and entered in formulas so that the Master would be untouched but the data from each page of my Form would also be its own Sheet in my Workbook and the tab would be visible along the bottom of my Master. I then color coded each discipline so the color on the master also reflected the color on the separate sheets and the tabs.

I realized I went over and beyond what was expected and I may have even gone too far. I find that I get caught up by the possibilities when working on these projects and want to add all the bells and whistles to illustrate what can be done.

I have shared my creation with the administration and am anxious to receive feedback. I am so happy to have been asked to help; considered to have expertise in Google Apps. I want to produce quality that will be appreciated in hopes that I will be called upon again.

I truly enjoy the challenge of being able to take a "blank" slate and alter its settings and content to meet the needs of the educational institution that I work for. I hope this is the beginning of many such projects.