Technology is expanding, it seems like each month there are new tools coming out that our schools, bosses, advisers, or teachers want us to use. At MASC/MAHS, we know that sometimes this can intimidate even the most savvy of users. As we see them, you will see brief articles on online resources that you can implement in your classroom, council or chapter.
Since we work with students, volunteers, and advisers all over the state--we know how tough it can be to schedule a meeting time. In our opinion, the person who gets stuck collecting the responses is NOT the lucky one, since many times people are unsatisfied with the end result. There is a FREE (no registration, money, login, or account needed--for real!) solution to this problem in the online tool - DOODLE.
Doodle allows multiple users in any location to QUICKLY pick their favorite time to gather. In fact, Doodle is so easy to use, many times that we have used it, we've had the meeting time scheduled within MINUTES! Using it is simple, we've included some basic instructions below. As always, let us know at todd@mascmahs.org if you have any additional questions. (Click the images to enlarge!)
After heading to the main Doodle site www.doodle.com, click the large blue button "schedule an event." This will take you to the main setup screen (an example is to the left).
Put in your information as you need it. The more informative you are, the easier it will be for your respondents to answer your poll quickly and efficiently.
Be sure that whoever creates the poll (and provides information for the "your name" and "email" fields will be the one to receive the results and make the final call.
Follow the next two steps to fill out the dates and times that are options for your participants to respond to. Fewer options make it easier to respond, however MORE options increase the likelihood that everyone will be able to find a mutually GREAT time!
Step three will allow you to turn on settings (no image included). Select options such as keeping results confidential, limiting respondents or number of options allowed--or select a basic poll if you would like to proceed past these options. A personal favorite that you can turn on at this point is the "ifneedbe" option, which allows participants to respond with another option rather than yes or no--simply if they would prefer not to meet at that time--but could be convinced otherwise.
The final step in setting up your poll (step four, no image included) is deciding how you want to collect your responses. Your two options lie in "You Send the Invitation" where Doodle will provide you with a link to send in your own email or post on a website (even something such as Facebook or Twitter), or "Doodle Sends the Invitation" where you provide email addresses, and an auto-generated email is sent with the poll link.
Pretty simple right? We think so!
Once your email or link begins to get to your participants, you can monitor the progress of your poll by clicking the link that Doodle provides once you finish your poll. As the administrator, you will get email updates (with an easy link to your poll) anytime someone updates or completes their response. From there, you simply look at the red (not available), yellow (if need be), or green (available) options from participants. Looking for the best option to meet becomes the easiest part of your meeting.
Tools like this can help the organization of your student group instantly! Check out the main doodle website for more tutorials and even more options for meeting scheduling. Stay posted to LeadLines and the MASC/MAHS website for even more online resources for Michigan student activities!
