Using the internet to conduct surveys has increased considerably in the last few years. Web-based survey forms are easy to construct and free survey generators are available on the internet. Murdoch University in Western Australia has been using online survey forms over the last two years, both as a ‘stand alone’ method of collecting student ratings of teachers, and as an option to try to increase the response rate in other surveys of students and recent graduates. This paper examines the benefits and pitfalls of using an online survey, including security issues, cost effectiveness and response rates. Are those respondents who choose the online option different from those who complete the more traditional paper form, and if so need this be a concern? How can we encourage more use of the online option with its savings in mail and data entry costs?