Have you created tests using Google Forms? Google Forms is an excellent tool for assessing students in online or in-person courses. Teachers can automate multiple-choice answer choices and even quickly review and mark commonly written answers.
With Google Classroom, recording these scores is automated, making it simple to identify gaps in knowledge, generate grades from forms, and track academic growth. However, without proper safeguards, sneaky students can easily share answers. Read on to learn how to design and proctor Google Forms online and classroom quizzes and discourage cheating.
1. Randomizing Questions and Answers
Google’s default forms display questions in the order in which you create them, but it is possible to randomize the sequence of the questions in which they appear. Go to Settings and select Shuffle Question Order. Student A's #5 will be different from Student B's #5, but you won't need to worry about creating two different answer keys when you grade your students' responses.
In addition, it is possible to randomize the order of multiple-choice responses. After you finish writing the options for a multiple-choice question, click on the bottom-right menu of the question, and select Shuffle Option Order. Richard Byrne (2019) provides a succinct and clear video on how to use these settings.
2. Using Sections
Google’s default forms display questions in the order in which you create them, but it is possible to randomize the sequence of the questions in which they appear. Go to Settings and select Shuffle Question Order. Student A's #5 will be different from Student B's #5, but you won't need to worry about creating two different answer keys when you grade your students' responses.
In addition, it is possible to randomize the order of multiple-choice responses. After you finish writing the options for a multiple-choice question, click on the bottom-right menu of the question, and select Shuffle Option Order. Richard Byrne (2019) provides a succinct and clear video on how to use these settings.
3. Using Timers
Google Forms lacks a timer, but creators can use a Chrome Apps add-on to get this feature. Use the vertical three-dot menu next to the circle with your profile picture, choose a timer, and then use the puzzle piece on your form to enable the timer. This is an especially effective technique if you want to check for recall in an open book quiz: Students will need to be familiar with the content from their assigned readings to work quickly enough to find answers.
If you have students who need special time accommodations, copy your quiz and set a different time. Teacher Belle (2020) explains how to add a timer in this video; be aware that some add-ons will cost money after you use a timer on a certain number of quizzes.
4. Locking/Monitoring Screens
If a student has a quiz open in one tab, how easy will it be for them to open another tab and search for answers to quiz questions? How will you stop students from using a seemingly innocuous Google Doc tab to chat with each other and share answers? Ask your school leaders if your computer lab devices or classroom Chromebooks have managing software, also known as screen creepers.
Some apps allow you to view every student’s screen; if you notice a suspicious tab, you can check on that student individually. If your school uses Chromebooks with Google Classroom, you will be able to enable Locked Mode by going to your form’s settings and scrolling down to Chromebook Settings. In this locked quiz mode, Google will let you know if any student opens an extra tab while taking the quiz. Letting students know about these features and being vigilant will add one extra layer of protection against cheating during an in-person quiz.
If you need to administer an assessment online, you may need to use a videoconferencing tool to inspect your students' workspaces for additional devices. Check with your district for screen-sharing technology and remote testing policies. This approach requires more coordination, but it may be necessary if you need to give a summative assessment online.
5. Releasing Feedback Carefully
Are you planning to reuse your quiz next year? Make sure you aren't sending your current students the answer key when you send them their quiz scores! By default, students are sent both the questions and answers when you release scores. Turn these features off in the Respondent section of the form's settings.
6. Explaining Answers
Are you planning to reuse your quiz next year? Make sure you aren't sending your current students the answer key when you send them their quiz scores! By default, students are sent both the questions and answers when you release scores. Turn these features off in the Respondent section of the form's settings.
7. Being Open to Open-book
Are you planning to reuse your quiz next year? Make sure you aren't sending your current students the answer key when you send them their quiz scores! By default, students are sent both the questions and answers when you release scores. Turn these features off in the Respondent section of the form's settings.
8. Setting Expectations
Are you planning to reuse your quiz next year? Make sure you aren't sending your current students the answer key when you send them their quiz scores! By default, students are sent both the questions and answers when you release scores. Turn these features off in the Respondent section of the form's settings.
- Are your quizzes open book or closed book?
- Are they timed?
- Do students need to use quotation marks when they use outside sources?
- Do you allow collaboration among classmates?
- If a student shares his or her answers with classmates, what is the penalty?
- Can students retake quizzes? How many submissions per student are allowed?
- If a student has technical issues, can he or she submit the quiz later in the day?
Are you planning to reuse your quiz next year? Make sure you aren't sending your current students the answer key when you send them their quiz scores! By default, students are sent both the questions and answers when you release scores. Turn these features off in the Respondent section of the form's settings.
Final Thoughts
Are you planning to reuse your quiz next year? Make sure you aren't sending your current students the answer key when you send them their quiz scores! By default, students are sent both the questions and answers when you release scores. Turn these features off in the Respondent section of the form's settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I monitor what my students are doing during a quiz?
If you are using district-provided devices, the answer is probably yes! Ask your district about screen locking or monitoring software. Be aware that students may surreptitiously try to use other devices, so be sure to keep vigilant.
Can I randomize the order of my questions and answers?
If you are using district-provided devices, the answer is probably yes! Ask your district about screen locking or monitoring software. Be aware that students may surreptitiously try to use other devices, so be sure to keep vigilant.
Can I randomize the questions that are used on my quizzes?
If you are using district-provided devices, the answer is probably yes! Ask your district about screen locking or monitoring software. Be aware that students may surreptitiously try to use other devices, so be sure to keep vigilant.
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