Integrating Technology into Planning & Evaluation

Focusing the evaluation: Collaboration tools

Concept Mapping Great for Visual Learners MindMeister: free real-time collaboration concept mapping tool. Bubbl.us: allows groups or individuals brainstorm online. Can

embed mind map into blog or save as an image.

Other Collaboration tools Wikis: PBWiki, Wikispaces, Wetpaint free collaborative online

environment to upload documents, share resources, and have discussions

Data Collection

Online tools to assist with the various forms of data collection

UW-Extension Resources 4-H evaluation website:

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/4h/evaluation/index.cfm Ellen Taylor Powell's Evaluation Blog - regular evaluation

tips and updates and answers questions--UW-Extension log-in required

Using photography to collect data

Before and after photos of community service activities; project activity; skill development program, camp, etc.

Photos taken over the course of a project to show development and changes

Engage youth in taking and interpreting their own photos

PhotographyExample. You want to know what the camp experience means to youth. You randomly select a group of campers who are asked to take photos during camp. The photographers then gather in small groups to discuss their photos, why they took the photo, what it means to them, etc. Comments and remarks are recorded.

This can be done online by using Flickr, Picasa (requires google user name/free download)

Journals/Logs When using journaling to collect evaluation data, be

clear about what you want to know and give them a list of questions to address.

Space might be designated for days events; feelings about the events; reflection on what was learned; what actions they will take.

group journal where all members write and share their experiences and thoughts in a combined effort.

Online tools to track responses Micro blogging- Twitter, status updates on Facebook (or

other social networking site) If you have a Blog- create a post and ask participants to post

comments (Blog sites include: Wordpress, Blogger) Text messaging- both twitter and status updates can be done

via texting, otherwise a separate platform for participants to text in their thoughts

Designing a Questionaire Don’t forget about technologyZoomerang online tool which allows one to design a survey,

share the link to intended audience, collect responses and analyze data. UW-Extension has subscription, work with State program area to initiate the process.

Surveymonkey- online tool which allows one to design a survey, share the link to intended audience, collect responses and analyze data. Free, has some limitations

Interactive tools/Audience feedback Poll Everywhere Ask your audience a question, they answer

with a SMS text message. Results update live in your web browser or PowerPoint…just like American Idol or Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Free version available

Clickers/Turning point Software: Similar concept as poll everywhere. Requires software and clickers. Some districts do have a set available for check out.

1. Sears2. The Gap3. Macy’s4. Neiman Marcus

Where are millionaires likely to shop?

Answer Now

Group work: Focus Groups, interviews Challenge: how to record and review data Voicethread: group conversations are collected and shared in

one place from anywhere in the world. It’s a collaborative, multimedia slide show that holds images, documents, and videos. Allows people to navigate pages and leave comments 5 different ways- using voice (with a mic or telephone), text, audio file, or video (via a webcam). Users can also doodle (creative expression). All can be exported to mp3 player or DVD.

Data Analysis & Interpretation These tools can be helpful to assist with putting data into a

user friendly format. Gliffy Free web-based diagram software Zoho-Creator: Create databases that your team members can

access over the web. Create your own forms/tables or import data from standard formats (.xls .csv .mdb) and get your database application online within minutes, really!

Mnemograph (now timeglider): An online application that creates great-looking timelines. Free version can import links, RSS, images and more. Helpful for tracking Long-term outcomes/impacts

Overwhelmed? Just know these applications exist to help you If they sound exciting, try to incorporate just 1-2 into your

evaluation plan.

Take a deep breathe- this is not a reporting requirement!