Quick Start: survey.vt.edu

The life-cycle of an online survey consists of the following three phases:

1. Creation of entry form and exit page
2. Data collection
3. Data analysis

Creation of Entry Form and Exit Page

First, you need to create the layout of the questionnaire (the "entry form") as well as the web page that is displayed after the user submits the entry form (the "exit page"). The exit page initially contains a statement like "Thank you for your feedback!" but can be adapted to contain anything you like.

By default, you are the only one who can view the survey results. However, you can allow the general public to view the results or restrict it to a group of people who know the password that you can define under "Change access restrictions".

Data Collection

Before a survey can collect data you have to start it by clicking on "open for data collection". Once the survey is open you can email the link to the entry form (which is displayed after chosing "open for data collection") to whoever you like or add the link to your web site. If you have entered an email address under "change email notfication" this address will receive a notification any time a new entry arrives.

Once started, the entry form cannot be changed any longer. If you need to do changes you have to close it first ("close for data collection") and restart it afterwards.

Data Analysis

You can view and export the survey results as soon as the survey is started - you don't need to close it beforehand. survey.vt.edu simply lists the survey results. If you need more advanced data analysis (e.g., calculation of averages etc.) you should export the data to a data analysis tool like Microsoft Excel.

Other Resources

• If you have questions or need help using survey.vt.edu, contact 4Help by using the Help Request Form (http://4help.vt.edu) or by calling (540) 231-HELP (4357).
• survey.vt.edu Go to the survey.vt.edu site