Microsoft® Word - Drop-down form fields

Why use drop-down form fields?

Drop-down form fields can be used for any activity or form that provides a multiple-choice answer format.

A drop-down form field allows you to produce a long list of possible options to a question that has only one correct answer. 

How to create a drop-down activity

The following instructions will help you create the simple drop-down activity shown above. (A video animation, showing steps 3-5, is available. See the instructions below.)

1. Open Word and start with a new blank document.
   
   
2. Open the Forms Toolbar. Go to View > Toolbars > Forms.
   
   
   
   
3. Type the following text:
   
   Looking after a Warm Water Aquarium
   
   Test Yourself
   
   1) The aquarium water must NOT be   .
   
   
4. Press the spacebar three times after the word ‘be’ and then click on the Drop-
   Down Field icon on the Forms toolbar. This will place a grey box at the mouse insertion point. Double-click on the grey box (or right-click and select Properties.) The Drop-Down Form Field Options dialog box will open.
   
   
5. In the Drop Down item section press the spacebar three times and then type ‘Choose one from below’. Add three more spaces, then click on the Add >> button. (Spaces allow a little space between the edge of the drop down box and the typed word.)
   
   Repeat the procedure by adding three spaces and then type ‘Clear’ and add three more spaces before clicking on the Add >> button.
   
   Repeat this procedure to add the following other options:
   
   Cloudy
   
   Bubbling
   
   Confirm by clicking on OK.
   
   
6. Now add the additional questions as shown below.

2) You need to feed your fish at least       a day.
3) After feeding always remove uneaten bits of food after        .
4) The correct temperature for a warm water aquarium is        degrees Fahrenheit.
5) Which one of these is a sign of stress and disease?

Add the drop-down form fields, in the spaces, with the answer options:

for question 2): once, twice, three times.
for question 3): 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 1 hour.
for question 4): 50–60, 70–80, 80-90.
for question 5)  green gills, clamped fins, tail droop.

7. To activate and check the drop-down form fields select the Protect Form () icon from the Forms toolbar. Check that the drop down list is fully visible and the drop down arrow does not obscure the main text. Click back onto the Protect Form icon to make any changes.
   
   
8. To fully protect the document so that it avoids any accidental amendment by a user go to Tools > Protect Document. Type in a password to allow amendment.
   
   
9. Save the document as fish to your E-Guides USB memory stick.

Need help? Watch the video tutorial showing steps 3-5 on your E-Guides USB memory stick.

Now that you have tried a drop-down form field activity why not create another one?

You could also look at SDELC Module 7.0: E-learning content > Information about using Microsoft Word > Drop-down form fields > Data storage, input and output devices. Follow the instructions to create the more advanced drop down activity. This document will also show more advanced options to protect the document from changes.

Suggestions for use

The following are examples of learning materials produced using Microsoft® Word Drop Down fields. This type of activity can be created in the same way using photographs or diagrams for students to choose answers from options.

Further resources:

• Harry Potter Quiz
• Characters of Frankenstein
• Green Plants as organisms
• Diagram of skin
• Finance Sources for a Business
• Herzberg Factors
• Ecosystem
• Their, there and they’re