Classtime vs. FluidSurveys (Discontinued)

Suitable:

• Distance learning for formative assessment
• In-class quizzes
• Tickets out the door to check on the day's understanding
• Homework
• Grade-level common assessments
• High-stakes test prep

For surveys, and for centralized info-gathering, FluidSurveys provides an excellent solution. There are other programs out there which provide a wider range of solutions (i.e., they can be used for surveying AND comprehensive online engagement, rather than just a data-gathering type of consultation); however, for programming and implementing surveys, FluidSurveys has an effective variety of strengths and options that make it optimal for users who are focused specifically on surveys.

• It has three different types of engagement activities for students as they are answering questions.
• It gives immediate data that can be acted upon.
• It is easy to find materials to use in their library with their search engine.
• It is very easy to include multimedia material like images, gifs, videos, and audio files.
• The test-making interface is extremely easy to use.
• It is easy to print out data that can be used to analyze with a grade-level team or with parents.
• It has a Google, Microsoft, and Clever interface, making it easy for students to access.

• User-friendly. For the majority of the general and basic tools you can use with FluidSurveys to build surveys are simple to use and intuitive. When certain issues come up, the service is quick (chat room) and effective.
• Anonymity: the software has the reputation of being safer in terms of safeguarding private information the respondents share by answering surveys (this is mainly due to the fact that the servers are in Canada). Thus, indirectly, they increase response rates.
• Extensive possibilities: FluidSurveys offers a plethora of possibilities and options that really renders the experience interesting in terms of micro-managing each details of the surveys you are sending out there. When the invitation leaves by email, it is exactly how you want it.

• There should be more flexibility and customizability with regard to survey design (e.g. background, fonts...)

Note: I am responding to this question as a user of the system and not a representative of my organization.

On a personal level/as a user only, I would definitely continue to use FluidSurveys.On a personal level/as a user only, I would definitely continue to use FluidSurveys.

I think the average person can very quickly pick up on the basics of the system: they would have no problems programming and launching a basic survey. Organizations may benefit from having people of different backgrounds getting their hands dirty in the system: at a minimum, both web programmers and opinion research advisors should be solicited for input or help.

I have used Edpuzzle, Quizizz, Kahoot, Khan Academy, and Edcite. I use all of them at varying times, depending on my needs. I use Classtime more than any of them because of its versatility of question types and its engagement tools. I also appreciate the ease of making and giving out tests.

Although I do not have much experience with Survey Monkey, the only two reasons why I choose FluidSurveys is that clients demand it (privacy and anonymity) and because managing multiple surveys at a time is easier. As for ODK Collect, I think it is a valuable alternative to FluidSurveys if you have time to learn the coding (not very complicated). ODK is a little less user friendly and you cannot address small details as you can with FluidSurveys (e.g.: formatting).

• It has helped us during in-classroom demonstration lessons.
• It has helped us with our training on strategic thinking in math.
• It has given us an outlet to share our test creation skills, which we can model to districts.

• Confidentiality of data is a big concern for our company, and we feel more secure working with a Canadian company. Our clients feel more secure, too.