Course evaluation software (CES) helps institutions gather student feedback, measure teaching effectiveness and improve learning outcomes. With the right partner platform, faculties can streamline the response process, increase participation rates and generate actionable insights that affect all departments. Regardless of the company’s size, choosing the right provider makes all the difference.
1. Watermark
Watermark has over two decades of experience in CES analytics. The affordable platform is efficient and designed to help colleges and academic institutions collect, analyze, and act on student feedback. Its strength lies in seamless integration with major learning management systems (LMS), including Canvas, Blackboard, and D2L in minutes for immediate access and swift results.
Automated and fully customizable survey distribution and response collection within familiar digital environments increase user comfort with the software. Easily tailor evaluations according to courses, and compile and transcribe data with AI-powered analysis to impact current students.
Source: watermarkinsights.com
Easy-to-assimilate information means there’s no need for extensive training to use the system. The comprehensive suite of tools offers interconnected solutions for faculty activity reporting, assessment, accreditation management, curriculum and catalog management and strategic planning. These support a centralized approach to institutional improvement, which gives stakeholders a cohesive view of academic performance and outcomes.
The company’s strategic partnership with Lightcast means that the software now lets administrators access the latest labor market information to make better data-informed decisions regarding course adaptations. Unsurprisingly, over 1,700 educational entities choose Watermark, with millions of assessments annually. It is a Gold Titan Business Award winner and has received numerous other awards for its innovative approach.
2. Explorance
Explorance is an analytics platform that offers course evaluation and feedback to the worldwide educational industry. The tool suite includes Blue, MLY, Forms and Metrics That Matter, which collects feedback, analyzes it, and compiles usable recommendations that enhance teaching, training and student experiences. It uses automated reminders to ensure participant engagement. The above-average survey completion rates from any internet-enabled device ensure reliable data sets.
The product range includes tools like next-generation feedback methods. Automated insights and accurate sentiment interpretation create rich resources. The AI-integrated system provides generative data unique to higher education facilities on a custom dashboard. End-to-end automation provides flexibility that integrates with the existing LMS, letting administrators design a question bank or delegate customization to various departments.
Advanced analytics include cross-tabulation, time trending and improvement evolution monitoring. Enjoy comprehensive information security to meet Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) compliance requirements. The supportive team assists in getting all responses automation-ready.
This global leader has an impressive track record of over 500 million surveys completed across its prestigious client list. The free-form styles and dynamic question types produce valuable insights for data-driven decision-making.
3. SurveyMonkey
SurveyMonkey is a giant in online surveys. It has branched out into the field of education, helping institutions track metrics and make analytical decisions. Users can build custom forms to collect everything from information to payments, and facilitate applications and admissions with dozens of preloaded templates that steer strategies on programming and policy.
Job retention can improve with satisfaction surveys for faculty, track student motivations and identify factors that contribute to drop-out rates. Course evaluation templates help facilitators identify areas for improvement in coverage, testing and design as well as teaching styles. Use customization features to change themes, design and question structures, and send surveys via multiple communication channels, including SMS, QR codes, social media, email and website access.
Automatic result summaries take the guesswork out of metrics, and unique filters make dissemination easier. Customers can also receive special pricing for educational usage. Select the Enterprises option to utilize advanced features like unlimited surveys, 24/7 support, multi-survey analysis, collaboration features and audit logs for transparency.
With 14,000 G2 5-star reviews, SurveyMonkey is a partner in insightful data metrics across various topics. The easy-to-use interface is a winner and is easy for the whole faculty to use.
4. Qualtrics
Qualtrics produces survey software structured for various industries, including education. The experience management platform offers powerful tools for course evaluation across multiple learning environments. Faculties appreciate the research-grade survey capabilities that are fully customizable.
Solutions like website and mobile app feedback enhance participation in the purpose-built feedback systems. Draw on the expert-built questionnaire library to design unique course evaluations. The software also integrates seamlessly with existing LMS systems for easy transition and to make it more user-friendly.
Use automation to enhance evaluations without risking student data. The next-level security and compliance protect all stakeholders. Jump-start evaluations with three easy steps that include building questions based on courses to create benchmarks, launching programs and reviewing actionable insights.
5. Anthology
Anthology provides a flexible software suite that produces nationally normed evaluation instruments with detailed feedback collection, reflecting accurate learning perceptions. View comparative data like learning objectives versus assessment outcomes. Schools can choose from two options — Enhanced or Core. Enhanced provides three validated evaluation instruments and advanced reporting, while Core lets them create instruments and leverage the results for program planning, administrative review, and accreditation.
Automation of surveys and other evaluations reduces administration time and provides an effective data collection tool. The software easily integrates with existing LMS while following regulatory and secure information management protocols to create auditing trails. AI insights create solutions for student retention, scalability and organizational sustainability. As the brand behind the Blackboard LMS, Anthology is organically placed in the teaching and learning ecosystem to provide unbiased assessment software that collects and analyzes results into actionable reviews.
6. Scantron
Scantron is a prominent data collection service with over 50 years of experience across various industries. Its system creates precise, scannable answer sheets that keep institutions in touch with their courses, facilitator delivery and student sentiments. The scanning solutions use automatic test scoring and in-depth result analysis for a true reflection of learner experiences, which transforms results into actionable outcomes.
It’s an ideal way to transition from on-paper testing to digital data collection, or students can answer question sets online. The system is versatile enough to serve academic testing and evaluation purposes.
The service includes 325 pre-made forms with added customization capabilities for endless evaluation, surveys and feedback collection. Its automation feature optimizes administration and saves time. View results in various presentation formats to get holistic insights and turnkey solutions.
Users can access the Class Climate evaluation for end-to-end student information collection and enhance speaker guidance while optimizing course material. The centralized and non-centralized templates provide different programs that monitor single classes or entire courses while maintaining legal compliance.
Quick View — Top Fairly Priced CES Providers
Review at a glance how these CES solutions stack up.
| Provider | Pricing | Customizable | Unique Offering |
| Watermark | Affordable | Complete suite of tools for custom assessments | Integrated view of the current labor market |
| Explorance Blue | Affordable | Various tools like Blue and Forms enable collection and customization | Free-form surveys and automation-ready support |
| SurveyMonkey | Affordable, flexible pricing | Interface with creation and analysis tools | Preloaded templates |
| Qualtrics | Personalized quote | Research-grade capabilities | Question library |
| Anthology | Personalized quote | The core plan provides a suite of tools for customization | AI-driven reviews and solutions |
| Scantron | Personalized quote | Pre-built forms and customizable designs | Paper to digital scanning and analysis |
Selection Criteria for Course Evaluation
When selecting CES for educational institutions, decision-makers should prioritize platforms that align with their existing infrastructure and long-term assessment goals. Compatibility with LMS is essential for seamless integration and streamlined survey distribution.
Institutions should assess the flexibility of survey design. Look for customizable templates, question branching, and anonymous response options to ensure ease of use and data integrity. Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities are another critical factor — software should offer actionable insights at the course, department and institution levels. It should follow information security and compliance regulations that protect students’ academic records like the FERPA, especially when handling sensitive student feedback.
Additionally, administration may benefit from platforms that support formative and summative evaluations. Tools that encourage high response rates — such as automated reminders and mobile-friendly interfaces — offer value. Cost, scalability and customer support should also ensure sustainable, long-term adoption.
FAQs
What Is Course Evaluation Software?
It’s a digital platform that helps educational institutions collect, manage and analyze student feedback on courses and instructors. It regulates survey distribution, improves response rates and provides data-driven insights for academic improvements like lowering drop-out rates.
Why Is Course Evaluation Important to Schools and Academic Facilities?
Analysis helps assess teaching effectiveness, identify areas for curriculum improvement and support faculty development. Consistent feedback contributes to better student outcomes and institutional accountability.
How Do These Platforms Integrate With Existing Systems?
Most leading course evaluation tools integrate with common learning management systems. The integration allows for automated survey distribution, real-time reporting and easier user management.
Course Evaluations and Surveys Software Insights
Choosing the right CES is a strategic decision that can significantly enhance teaching quality and institutional effectiveness. The best platforms offer more than just survey tools — they provide robust analytics, seamless LMS integration and secure, customizable feedback processes.
By partnering with a trusted provider, administrators can better understand student experiences, support faculty development and drive continuous improvement across academic programs. With the best option, educational organizations can tailor solutions to their size, goals and infrastructure.
Post written by Emily Graham from Webfx.com
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