Ever thought about how to streamline online course evaluations? Read about the Best Online Tools for Student Feedback and Course Evaluations now.
In today’s academic landscape, timely and effective feedback is the linchpin of successful course delivery and student engagement. However, obtaining honest, useful feedback can be challenging.
To bridge this gap, online tools tailored for student feedback and course evaluations are essential. These tools not only streamline the feedback process but also offer a platform for educators to make informed decisions.
Table of Contents
Overview
As academia leans more into digital interfaces, the significance of online tools designed specifically for feedback becomes paramount. These tools offer myriad benefits, from enhanced student engagement to in-depth course evaluations.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best online tools available, highlighting their distinct features and the advantages they bring to the academic world.
Best Online Tools for Student Feedback and Course Evaluations
#1. SurveyMonkey: Best for customizable and versatile surveys
Summary
- Customizable survey creation
- Robust analytics
- Versatile templates
SurveyMonkey shines as a beacon of adaptability in the vast sea of educational tools. For educators, it’s like having a tailor-made suit – it fits just right for every subject and teaching method.
In the world of academia, where every subject has its own rhythm and every teaching style its unique beat, having a tool that dances to that tune becomes priceless.
Benefits
- Personal Touch: Think of a course as a story. Each one is unique. And SurveyMonkey allows educators to weave surveys that fit the narrative of each course.
- Diversity in Feedback: Whether it’s a multiple-choice question, an essay-type response, or a simple yes or no, SurveyMonkey offers a smorgasbord of question types. This ensures every nuance, every opinion, and every thought is captured.
- Smooth Integration: It’s like the cherry on top! SurveyMonkey doesn’t just stand alone; it blends seamlessly with other educational tools, making the entire teaching and feedback process a harmonious symphony.
Handing the controls to educators, SurveyMonkey ensures that feedback is never a one-size-fits-all affair. Whether it’s diving deep into intricate details or keeping things crisp and straightforward, SurveyMonkey has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the world of education. It’s not just another tool; it’s an ally, a game-changer, in sculpting the future of academic excellence.
How much does it cost?
- From $25/month
Source: https://www.surveymonkey.com
#2. Google Forms: Best for free and easily shareable surveys
Summary
- User-friendly interface
- Collaborative features
- Quick sharing options
Google Forms is like the friendly neighbor in the world of academic tools – always ready to help and never asking for anything in return. In academia, where sometimes the purse strings are pulled a little too tight, Google Forms steps in like a breath of fresh air. It’s not about fancy frills; it’s about delivering what’s needed without the hefty price tag.
Benefits
- Free as the Air We Breathe: It doesn’t dip into the school’s funds or an educator’s pocket. Google Forms ensures that everyone, irrespective of their financial standing, has access to a top-notch feedback tool.
- Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Imagine a shared canvas where multiple educators paint their ideas, refining and perfecting the questionnaire. Google Forms makes this collaborative magic possible.
- Spreading the Word: Be it a class group, email, or any other platform, Google Forms slides in effortlessly, ensuring that every student’s voice is heard and every opinion is counted.
In essence, Google Forms is like that favorite classroom pen that just flows – it’s easy, dependable, and gets the job done without any fuss. For educators looking for a no-nonsense, quality tool, Google Forms is the trusty companion they’ve been searching for.
How much does it cost?
- Free
Source: https://www.google.com
#3. Crowdsignal: Best for user-friendly polls and surveys
Summary
- Intuitive design interface
- Variety of poll and survey options
- Quick sharing and integration
Crowdsignal strips away the complications of online course evaluation survey creation. It’s about getting straight to the heart of what educators and students want to say and hear. In classrooms where time is of the essence, Crowdsignal ensures feedback is prompt, pretty, and to the point.
Benefits
- Swift Setup: Create and share in a flash.
- Diverse Templates: From polls to long-form surveys, cater to all feedback needs.
- Smooth Sharing: Integrate easily with other academic platforms or share directly.
Crowdsignal is the friend you call when you want things done without a fuss. Its straightforward approach means educators spend less time fiddling and more time fostering growth based on feedback.
How much does it cost?
- $0-$29/month
Source: https://crowdsignal.com
#4. Qualtrics: Best for advanced analytics in academic research
Summary
- Comprehensive data analytics
- Tailored academic modules
- Enhanced survey distribution
Qualtrics is the detective of data tools, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to unearthing deep insights. For the passionate academicians, where the difference between a good and great course often lies in the details, Qualtrics emerges as a guiding compass. It doesn’t merely collect feedback; it delves into the heart of it, painting a vivid picture that many tools miss.
Benefits
- Beyond the Surface: With Qualtrics, educators aren’t just skimming the top. They’re diving deep, exploring the myriad patterns and intricacies of student feedback.
- Tailor-made for Academia: Picture a toolkit, curated just for researchers. That’s Qualtrics. Its academic-centric modules are not a mere afterthought; they are the heart of the platform, ensuring research is not just thorough but also purposeful.
- Right Message, Right Time: Qualtrics ensures the feedback sought reaches the intended students at the perfect moment, much like hitting the bullseye every single time.
When it comes to morphing a sea of feedback into meaningful, actionable steps, Qualtrics stands tall, spotlight in hand, illuminating the way. For educators who don’t just want to teach but inspire, refine, and elevate, Qualtrics is the ally that whispers the secrets lying within the feedback, urging them towards perfection.
How much does it cost?
- Free
Source: https://www.qualtrics.com
#5. Typeform: Best for engaging and interactive surveys
Summary
- Visually appealing designs
- Conversational question styles
- Smooth user experience
Typeform is the Picasso of survey tools, turning the drab palette of questions and checkboxes into a vibrant tapestry of interaction and engagement. When it comes to capturing the attention of today’s tech-savvy students, Typeform is like that favorite professor who knows just how to make a lecture captivating.
Benefits
- A Feast for the Eyes: With Typeform, surveys don’t just speak; they sing, dance, and pull students into a delightful waltz of interaction, ensuring they stay tuned in from start to finish.
- Conversations, Not Queries: Think of Typeform as that friendly coffee chat. It doesn’t interrogate; it converses. Its conversational question styles ensure students feel heard, not just questioned.
- Chameleon-like Flexibility: Whether it’s a casual class check-in or a formal course evaluation, Typeform can don the perfect attire, mirroring the mood and tone of the course.
In the age where attention is the hardest currency to earn, Typeform makes sure every student not just clicks but engages, thinks, and responds. It’s not just a tool; it’s a revolution, ushering in an era where feedback isn’t a chore but a charm, an interaction that both educators and students look forward to.
How much does it cost?
- $29/month
Source: https://www.typeform.com
#6. Kahoot!: Best for gamified feedback and quizzes
Summary
- Fun, game-based approach
- Instant feedback mechanism
- Competitive learning environment
Remember the buzz in classrooms during quiz games? Kahoot! digitizes that excitement. In the digital age of learning, Kahoot! spices up feedback sessions by gamifying them, making learning both fun and informative.
Benefits
- Engagement Boost: Students are actively involved and excited.
- Instant Reports: Understand class performance immediately.
- Customized Quizzes: Tailor quizzes to fit specific academic needs.
Kahoot! is the splash of fun academia often needs, ensuring students remain engaged while educators gain crucial insights into their performance and understanding.
How much does it cost?
- $29/month
Source: https://kahoot.it
#7. Socrative: Best for in-lecture quizzes and polls
Summary
- Real-time student engagement
- Variety of quiz formats
- In-depth student understanding analysis
Socrative bridges the gap between lectures and understanding. It allows educators to pulse-check students’ comprehension in real-time, making lectures more interactive and ensuring no student is left behind.
Benefits
- Instant Feedback: Address misconceptions on the spot.
- Variety in Questioning: From MCQs to short answers, get diverse feedback.
- Classroom Analytics: Gauge overall classroom performance.
Socrative empowers educators to be proactive, adjusting their teaching methods in real-time, ensuring effective and dynamic classroom sessions.
How much does it cost?
- $0-$179.99/year
Source: https://www.socrative.com
#8. Formative: Best for real-time feedback on student progress
Summary
- Live student responses
- Visualize student thinking
- Tailored assignments
Formative offers a fresh take on monitoring student progress. Gone are the days of waiting for end-of-term papers to gauge understanding. With Formative, educators get a pulse on student comprehension as lessons unfold, promoting a proactive teaching approach.
Benefits
- Live Insights: Spot and address challenges in the moment.
- Tailored Assignments: Adapt tasks based on individual student needs.
- Collaborative Learning: Foster a classroom environment where students learn from each other’s insights.
Formative ensures that learning is an ongoing conversation, where educators can pivot their strategies based on real-time feedback, making every lesson count.
How much does it cost?
- Free
Source: https://www.formative.com
#9. Feedbackr: Best for immediate in-class feedback
Summary
- Simple feedback collection
- Interactive classroom discussions
- Anonymity option for students
Feedbackr is all about fostering a comfortable environment where every student feels heard. By prioritizing instant and sometimes anonymous feedback, it encourages even the most reserved students to share their thoughts, enriching classroom discussions.
Benefits
- Instant Reactions: Get a feel of the room instantly.
- Enhanced Discussions: Foster deeper classroom interactions.
- Anonymity Option: Encourage candid feedback without the fear of judgment.
Feedbackr makes classrooms more dynamic and inclusive, ensuring educators get a holistic understanding of student sentiments, allowing them to cater to everyone’s needs.
How much does it cost?
- From $39
Source: https://www.feedbackr.io
#10. Evalkit: Best for dedicated course feedback processes
Summary
- Specialized course evaluations
- Constructive feedback structures
- Comprehensive reporting
Evalkit shines a light on the intricacies of courses, going beyond generic feedback. By focusing specifically on course components, it offers educators the granularity they need to refine and perfect their offerings.
Benefits
- Focused Feedback: Dive deep into course-specific areas.
- Constructive Structures: Promote feedback that’s actionable and positive.
- Clear Reports: Understand feedback patterns and areas of improvement.
Evalkit is an educator’s ally in fine-tuning course content, ensuring feedback is precise, constructive, and drives the evolution of academic offerings.
How much does it cost?
- From $0
Source: https://www.watermarkinsights.com
#11. Mentimeter: Best for real-time polling in lectures
Summary
- Live audience polls
- Engaging presentations
- Diverse question types
Mentimeter livens up lectures with on-the-spot polls, transforming passive listeners into active participants. This vibrant interaction not only keeps students engaged but provides educators with immediate insights into the classroom’s pulse.
Benefits
- Elevated Engagement: Turn lectures into two-way conversations.
- Real-time Insights: Adapt lectures based on live student feedback.
- Interactive Presentations: Add an element of fun to serious discussions.
With Mentimeter, every lecture becomes an opportunity for collaboration and mutual growth, ensuring the teaching process is as engaging as it is informative.
How much does it cost?
- From $11.99/month
Source: https://www.mentimeter.com
#12. FeedbackFruits: Best for feedback in interactive study materials
Summary
- Integration with study materials
- Peer review capabilities
- Interactive annotations
FeedbackFruits adds a refreshing twist to studying by embedding feedback directly within educational materials. It’s like turning textbooks and modules into lively forums where students not only learn but actively discuss and collaborate.
Benefits
- Direct Engagement: Students interact right where they learn.
- Peer Insights: Harness the power of collective knowledge.
- Rich Annotations: Comments go beyond text, with videos and images.
FeedbackFruits is reimagining study materials as vibrant hubs of interaction, ensuring every student doesn’t just learn but actively participates in the learning process.
How much does it cost?
- Free
Source: https://feedbackfruits.com
#13. Top Hat: Best for merging course content delivery with feedback
Summary
- Unified platform for teaching and feedback
- Interactive textbooks
- Real-time comprehension checks
Top Hat goes beyond traditional teaching methods by intertwining content delivery with immediate feedback. It’s like having a dynamic classroom where the lines between teaching and learning blur, creating an immersive experience.
Benefits
- Seamless Experience: Transition smoothly between teaching and feedback.
- Engaging Materials: Textbooks come alive with interactivity.
- In-the-Moment Understanding: Check student grasp during lessons.
Top Hat offers a symbiotic relationship between teaching and feedback, making every moment in the classroom count and ensuring lessons are not just delivered but truly absorbed.
How much does it cost?
- $53/year
Source: https://tophat.com
#14. Bluepulse 2: Best for continuous feedback during courses
Summary
- Ongoing feedback channel
- Customizable touchpoints
- Analytics to track engagement
Bluepulse 2 believes in the power of continuous conversations. Instead of periodic feedback bursts, it offers a steady stream of insights, keeping educators in sync with student sentiments throughout a course’s duration.
Benefits
- Always-on Channel: Keep the feedback lines open 24/7.
- Tailored Touchpoints: Choose when and how to seek insights.
- Engagement Tracking: Stay on top of participation levels.
With Bluepulse 2, feedback isn’t an event; it’s an ongoing dialogue, ensuring the academic journey is calibrated and fine-tuned every step of the way.
How much does it cost?
- $2500/year
Source: https://explorance.com
#15. eXplorance Blue: Best for evaluations in large academic institutions
Summary
- Scalable evaluation processes
- Comprehensive reporting tools
- Customizable survey designs
eXplorance Blue is a powerhouse for sprawling academic setups. It understands the complexities of large institutions and offers tools that can seamlessly handle vast student numbers, diverse courses, and varied feedback needs.
Benefits
- Scalable Solutions: Meet the needs of large student populations.
- In-depth Reports: Get granular with feedback data.
- Personalized Surveys: Cater to the unique needs of different courses.
For sizable institutions, eXplorance Blue stands out as a robust partner, ensuring feedback is both comprehensive and manageable, no matter the scale.
How much does it cost?
- From $0
Source: https://explorance.com
Conclusion
The modern academic environment necessitates advanced tools that cater to both educators and students. From gamified feedback mechanisms to dedicated course evaluation systems, there’s a course evaluation system for every need.
Investing in the right feedback and evaluation tools not only enhances the teaching and learning experience but also shapes the future of education. Remember, feedback is not just about hearing but about evolving.
How do educators and administrators typically use these online tools to improve their teaching and course offerings?