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Polls

Polls are a quick and easy way to answer questions during class. Your instructor may use polls to check understanding, gather feedback, or spark discussion.

Answering Polls

There are two ways to respond to a poll:

Your instructor may display a QR code or share a link during class:

  1. Scan the QR code with your phone camera, or click the link provided by your instructor
  2. The poll question and answer options will appear
  3. Select your answer(s) from the options displayed
  4. Click Submit to send your response

If the poll does not require login, you can respond immediately without signing in.

Via the Polls Page

You can also access polls directly from Pawtograder:

  1. Navigate to your course in Pawtograder
  2. Go to the Polls section in the navigation
  3. Live polls from your class will be displayed
  4. Click Answer Poll to open the poll
  5. Select your answer(s) and submit

Screenshot of the polls page showing available live polls

Login Requirements

Polls can be configured by your instructor to require login or allow anonymous responses:

ModeHow It Works
Login not requiredScan the QR code or use the link to answer immediately without signing in. Your response is anonymous.
Login requiredYou must sign in to Pawtograder before answering. Your response is associated with your student account.
note

If a poll requires login and you're not signed in, you'll be prompted to log in before you can submit your response.

Poll Types

You may encounter two types of polls:

Single Choice

  • Select exactly one answer from the options
  • Uses radio button selection
  • Clicking a new option automatically deselects your previous choice

Multiple Choice

  • Select one or more answers from the options
  • Uses checkbox selection
  • Choose all options that apply to the question

Submitting Your Response

  1. Review your selected answer(s)
  2. Click the Complete or Submit button
  3. You'll see a confirmation that your response was recorded
info

Once submitted, your response cannot be changed. Make sure you've selected the answer you want before submitting.

Poll Availability

  • Polls are only available when your instructor has made them live
  • Most polls automatically close after one hour
  • Your instructor may also manually close a poll at any time
  • If a poll is closed, you won't be able to submit a response

Troubleshooting

"No active polls" message

  • Your instructor may not have any polls open right now
  • Wait for your instructor to start a new poll
  • The page will update automatically when a poll becomes available

QR code not scanning

  • Make sure your camera is focused on the QR code
  • Try moving closer or adjusting the angle
  • Use the direct URL instead (ask your instructor to display it)

Login prompt appears

  • The poll requires authentication
  • Sign in with your Pawtograder credentials
  • After signing in, you'll be redirected to the poll

"Poll is closed" error

  • The poll is no longer accepting responses
  • This may be because the 1-hour window has passed
  • Or your instructor manually closed the poll

Tips for Students

  • Have your device ready: When your instructor announces a poll, be ready to scan the QR code quickly
  • Read carefully: Take a moment to read the question and all options before answering
  • Don't overthink: Polls are usually meant for quick responses, not extended deliberation
  • Ask questions: If you don't understand the poll question, ask your instructor for clarification