Introduction to Theory-Driven Program Evaluation, 2nd Edition

8 Evaluation of the Computers in Our Future Program

This chapter examines how program theory-driven evaluation science was used to help design, implement, and evaluate an innovative program to improve health through technology skills training. The Computers in Our Future (CIOF) Program was implemented by 11 organizations throughout the state of California. To illustrate various aspects of this program theory-driven evaluation, the chapter is organized to address:

1. developing program impact theory;
2. formulating and prioritizing evaluation questions; and
3. answering evaluation questions.

The following presentation of the evaluation of CIOF provides another specific example of how program theory-driven evaluation science can unfold in practice.