~AEA Public Library

Handouts from session at 2011 AEA/CDC Summer Evaluation Institute

Session Description: Join us for a review of over 25 low-cost/no-cost tools that are useful, used, and user-friendly. Who isn't short on time, short on funds, and short on the patience needed to decide which tools are worth investing the time needed to access and use? Drawing on contributions from over 20 colleagues working in different evaluation contexts, we'll show examples of tools that are used by practicing evaluators to conduct background research; create and document evaluation plans and logic models; facilitate data cleaning, exploration and analysis; listen to and learn from online exchanges; and promote and enhance collaboration.

We’ll give mini-demonstrations of four tools, followed by rapid-fire exchange highlighting over 20 others with examples of each in the context of evaluation, and ending with a call to the audience to share their favorite tools that we have not mentioned (and perhaps win a little something for doing so!). Each attendee will leave with a handout identifying the tool, its uses, the time needed to learn to use it, and any special considerations. The session will be supplemented by a website with live links to each tool and where and how to learn more.

Susan Kistler is the Executive Director of the American Evaluation Association and owner of iMeasure Media. She has taught statistics, research methods, and evaluation at the university level and is an experienced trainer and speaker for local, regional, and national audiences. LaMarcus Bolton is the Technology Director for the American Evaluation Association and a doctoral student within Saint Louis University's Industrial/Organizational Psychology program.

Longform PowerPoint: 5 tools demonstrated at beginning of session

Rapidfire PowerPoint: 24 tools demonstrated during rapid fire session

Notes Checklist: One page summary form listing all and time to learn

For each item in the PowerPoint, check the notes section on the slide where the tool is first listed to find links to the tool itself and related resources.

#2011Institute