Editing the OCA template
Initial instructions
Every survey should begin with an introduction explaining its purpose, how the results will be used, and how to answer the questions. To encourage candid responses from students, OCA introductions include the terms of confidentiality or anonymity, but you may want to add further information.
Use clear, basic language for completing the survey instructions. For short answer or essay questions explain the desired length and detail of responses
Multiple section instructions
For surveys with multiple sections, introduce each section with a short statement about its content and purpose to help orient the respondent and organize the survey. The insert text function of OCA enables you to add an introduction or other text in the white spaces between questions.
Example
In this section we would like your opinion about the uses of Blackboard in this course.
End instructions
You should also provide clear instructions for submitting the survey. The OCA includes a message letting respondents know their electronic submission was successful. Thanking respondents for their participation is also a good idea.
Format survey questions
OCA also enables you to change the order of questions. Keep in mind a few guidelines when determining order. Group similar questions together so the survey is easy to follow. Ask interesting questions first to engage respondents. Place demographic questions (e.g., age, sex, major) at the end of the survey. It is also best not to ask several open-ended questions at the beginning of a survey.
Be sure that you do not have two questions selected for the same position or the OCA system will not perform the reordering function. See the OCA tutorials for further information.
