FluidSurveys (Discontinued) vs. TestInvite

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.

Our needs are really well met by Test Invite. Of particular note is the fact that Test Invite provides contemporary methods to assess the knowledge and skills of the test takers. In our field, it is imperative to understand the oral language skills of potential students. With the use of video and audio recording supported questions, we can gain more insight into our students' needs so that we can tailor our services to them better. For language testing, Test Invite really allows the school to reliably collect, analyze and report on essential data needed from students. There are some usability issues with the platform, however, Test Invite has been working diligently to improve on these areas and add additional functionality.

• 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.

• Cognitive aptitude assessments.
• Providing assessment platform.
• Providing support during assessment activities.
• English proficiency testing.

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

• Some features like Live Proctoring can be included.

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.

It's easy to use.

This is the most appreciated part of working with Test Invite over the last 2 years. Support was always timely, congenial, effective, and never challenging in terms of response rate or quality of reaction. Our counterpart on the Test Invite side has practically become a member of our team, as they are always extremely involved and ready to provide value while becoming very clear on our needs.

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).

I spend a LOT of time researching alternatives. Many required high upfront payments and did not have the functionality I needed. Test Invite was the first platform I tried and I was very happy with it!

Incentivized

Invited by the Vendor

A de minimis incentive was given to thank the reviewer for their time. The incentive was not used to bias or drive a particular response, nor was the incentive contingent on a positive endorsement. More Info

• 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.

• Students who complete a full placement test before starting their lessons are 80% more likely to continue with lessons after a trial lesson.
• Students and parents have expressed extreme gratitude to our school for providing them with detailed and complete information about their English level.