Learning and Assessment

Website 10 of 17

Website (URL): http://sites.google.com/a/monitor.com/organizational-effectiveness/network-effectiveness-resources/advanced-resources-1/evaluation

Some of the questions that are answered include:
* How should I be thinking about evaluations in a network setting?
* How do I know if my network is effective? What metrics should I consider in measuring impact?
* What tools are available for measuring impact?
* How are other networks or organizations measuring impact?

Note: Recommended resources are denoted with an asterisk.

Networks and Evaluation (by June Holley) A brief, high-level overview of network evaluations techniques (e.g., metrics to use in network mapping, network indicators, and outcomes to track).

Online Community ROI (Forum One Networks) Results from a survey researching best practices on measuring ROI for online community initiatives; nonprofits represented only 10% of respondents.

Online Community Metrics (Forum One Networks) Results from a survey researching best practices on developing and using metrics for online community initiatives; nonprofits represented only 25% of respondents.

* Point K Learning Center (Innovation Network) Provides a collection of free tools and resources for assessment, accountability, communication, and program improvement.

* Advocacy 2.0: Feedback Helpful for beginners and experts alike. Provides an overview of evaluations methods and tools, as well as specific advice and questions to consider. "Evaluation Tools" subpage includes an enlightening network diagnostic.

Social Network Analysis and the Evaluation of Leadership Networks (by Bruce Hoppe and Claire Reinelt) A paper that explores how Social Network Analysis can be used to conceptualize, support and evaluate leadership networks.

Growing Knowledge Together: Using Emergent Learning and EL Maps for Better Results (by Marilyn Darling and Charles Parry; Reflections, Vol. 8, No. 1) An article on creating and using Emergent Learning maps to capture learning and improve performance in collaborative efforts.

Ties that Bind: The Practice of Social Networks (by Terri Bailey) Second of five reports on social network approaches and practice from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Chapter 3 identifies aspects of healthy networks that provide a foundation for evaluating network effectiveness.