AmeriCorps The Data Collection Dilemma: Which Method is Best for You? July 2006 By Nouha Shwehdi & Ruby Camacho

Note cards- Please write down the problems you currently face with data collection & reporting Introductions Goals and Objectives of session: Determining the purpose of data collected Effective communication strategies To present alternative methods of collecting data Efficient and effective ways to compile your progress report data What skills will attendees learn: Gathering data efficiently Using free online survey resources to fit your organization Effectively brining all data together Making sense of it all

University of Illinois at Chicago Center for Literacy AmeriCorps Project MORE FAST/CCEE Introductions Who we are & Who we work with ?

Chicago Center for Early Education (CCEE) Goals Enhance the quality of early childhood programs by providing resources and networking opportunities for teaching staff Increase the support available to parents on childcare and parenting issues and Promote the use of technology to access information and resources for families and young children. Resources Available Comprehensive collection of materials on early childhood issues including books, periodicals, reports, activity boxes, audio and video tapes, and computer software. Teacher/parent workspace Laminator, scanner, bookbinder, paper trimmer, and letterpress to create materials for use at home or in the classroom. Training/meeting area. 15-station computer lab

Activity- Knots of People

Data Collection What type of data does your organization collect? –Volunteer information (how many, hours served, attendance) –How many people has your organization served –Sign-in sheets (also tracks visitors) –Member hours (timesheets) –Student progress (test scores, writing scores) –Workshop Feedback (how many were conducted, evaluations, surveys) –Member Files Personal Information Evaluations

Common Methods Used For Data Collection Logs and tallies Excel spreadsheets Timesheets Others????

Challenges of Data Collection Discuss Note cards –Accuracy –Ability to manage data –Communication –Others

Sample Data Collection Methods Member Hours

Member Timesheets Continued

Member Evaluations

On-Line Reporting System

On-Line Reporting System Continued

Using an On-line system Pros & Cons Pros -data is accessible from any computer with internet access -data can be sorted in a variety of ways -excel sheets are generated -totals are retrieved easilyCons -human input errors -staffs phobia with reporting systems -staffs familiarity with navigating the site -inputting data in a timely manner

Free Internet Resources Benefits of surveymonkey.com - freesurveymonkey.com - useful to obtain feedback

Survey Monkey Statistics/Results Creating evaluation surveys

Members Files What documents are necessary? What can be thrown out?

Summary There are various methods of collecting data. – What methods will work best for your organization? Think about the skills required to collect the data. –Is the person collecting the data comfortable using a particular software program/method? Decide what items are really necessary and which can be eliminated.

Any questions? Suggestion? Thank you for your time Nouha Shwehdi Ruby Camacho University of Illinois at Chicago AmeriCorps Project MORE FAmily STart Learning Centers 1640 W. Roosevelt Rd, Room 646 (M/C 148) Chicago, IL Phone: Fax: