> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pawtograder.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Polls Overview

> Conduct live in-class polling with real-time results, QR codes, and presentation mode

# Polls Overview

Pawtograder's Polls feature provides a quick and easy way for instructors to conduct live in-class polling. Polls are designed for real-time engagement during lectures, allowing instructors to gauge student understanding, gather quick feedback, or facilitate interactive discussions.

## Key Features

* **Quick Creation**: Create polls in seconds with a simple visual builder
* **Real-Time Results**: See student responses update instantly as they come in
* **Multiple Poll Types**: Support for single choice and multiple choice questions
* **Live Visualizations**: Display results to the class with built-in bar charts
* **Presentation Mode**: Full-screen display for classroom projection with embedded QR code
* **Automatic Closing**: Polls automatically close after one hour to ensure timely responses
* **Anonymous or Authenticated**: Choose whether students must log in to respond

## Use Cases

Polls are ideal for:

* **Comprehension Checks**: Quickly assess if students understand a concept before moving on
* **Discussion Starters**: Gather opinions to spark class discussions
* **Attendance**: Quick polls at the start of class (use "Require Login" for tracking)
* **Feedback**: Get instant feedback on pace or clarity of instruction
* **Concept Voting**: Let students vote on topics to cover or questions to answer

## Polls vs Surveys

| Feature           | Polls                     | Surveys                               |
| ----------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Purpose           | Quick in-class engagement | Detailed feedback collection          |
| Duration          | Auto-closes after 1 hour  | Configurable due dates                |
| Question Count    | Single question per poll  | Multiple questions                    |
| Response Editing  | One response per poll     | Editable until submitted              |
| Real-Time Results | Live updates during class | Aggregated after collection           |
| Best For          | Lectures, quick checks    | Course evaluations, detailed feedback |

## Getting Started

To use Polls, navigate to your course and select "Polls" from the course navigation. From there, you can:

1. **Create new polls** using the visual builder
2. **Manage existing polls** (open, close, delete)
3. **View responses** with real-time analytics
4. **Present results** in fullscreen mode for the classroom

<Note>
  Polls are scoped to your class - you can only view and manage polls for courses you are an instructor or grader for.
</Note>

## Quick Start

1. Go to **Polls** in your course navigation
2. Click **Create Poll**
3. Click **Open Visual Builder** to design your question
4. Choose whether to **Require login**
5. Click **Publish Poll** to make it live
6. Share the QR code or link with students
7. Watch responses come in real-time!