At TESOL 2012, I presented a teaching tip entitled “Using Google Docs to Facilitate Language Assessment,” which showcased the process of creating tests online using Google Forms. A Google Form, a type of Google Doc, provides the perfect vehicle for constructing, editing, delivering, grading, reporting, and analyzing various test items.

Writing effective tests can be an arduous and time-consuming task. Fortunately, innovative approaches for utilizing existing digital technology can help English language instructors create tests and quizzes with greater ease. The goal of the presentation was to inspire instructors to try this method of test creation and delivery.

During the presentation, an overview of Google Forms was provided. This was followed by an interactive demonstration (with the help of the audience) of the process by which a Google Doc is created. The audience created a series of test items, which were then used to make a Google Form. The efficient and enjoyable process of creating online grammar quizzes using Google Docs was illustrated as step-by-step instructions guided the participants partaking in the demonstration.

Finally, the benefits of this testing method were explicitly explained. These benefits include one-click access to the online test (no additional Web site log-ins); automatic saving; easy editing capabilities; avoidance of the photocopier; real-time responses, organized by respondent in a spreadsheet; and last, one-click access to a summary-of-responses report (with graphs) for instant or future error and item analysis, a valuable reflective teaching tool.

You can find more information about using Google Forms by visiting this site: https://sites.google.com/site/tesol2012lukecoffelt/

Luke Coffelt is a teaching associate in the Ohio University Program of Intensive English in Athens, Ohio.