Creating effective evaluations virtually is important during a global pandemic. Here are 4 key ways we’ve discovered to make evaluation effective:

1. Start virtual meetings with a check-in. Many people have been affected by stressful, difficult situations during the pandemic. Checking in to see how they are can help lower the stress. “It’s important to hold space for these conversations that affect our work together,” says Rachel Engh, ACET’s Evaluation Specialist and Cross-sector Lead.

2. Create meeting agreements. Rachel develops meeting agreements to help the group discern how they want to be together. “This is much more complicated in a virtual environment,” she says. Ideally, you’d like everyone to turn on their video, so you can see everyone at all times. However, that’s not always possible.

3. Incorporate the best of technology. “Technology has rapidly improved,” Rachel says. Use the annotate tool, the white board, and other interactive features. “At the same time, it’s also important to understand broadband issues,” she says since some communities don’t have access to stable internet.

4. Build relationships. To get authentic work done, relationships are so important,” Rachel says. “And it takes time. Take the time to build relationships.”

For more ideas on effective virtual evaluation, see this blog. If you’re interested in having ACET help you with a virtual evaluation, please contact us at info@acetinc.com. We offer a free initial consultation!