Inside the AI-Augmented Evaluation Workflow: How AI Is Changing Everyday Evaluation Practice

This session explores how AI is reshaping everyday evaluation practice and what that means for evaluators working across research, monitoring, learning, and impact measurement. Featuring Helga Thomas (Manager, M&E), Saurabh Banne (Senior Research Executive), Vamsi Krishna (Senior Research Executive), and Farheen Fatima (Research Associate) from The 4th Wheel, the discussion draws on real-world experiences of integrating AI into evaluation workflows. Learn about: • How AI is changing day-to-day evaluation workflows • Practical applications of AI in research, data collection, and analysis • Opportunities and limitations of AI across the evaluation lifecycle • Why human judgment remains essential despite technological advances • Real-world examples of AI use in social impact evaluation This session was moderated by Juhi Jain (Associate Manager, The 4th Wheel) as part of our gLOCAL Evaluation Week 2026 series. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 04:30 How AI Is Changing Everyday Evaluation Practice 09:15 AI for Literature Reviews and Program Familiarization 16:20 Using AI to Develop Theories of Change and Frameworks 23:45 AI in Tool Design and Survey Development 31:10 Overcoming the "Blank Page Syndrome" 37:30 Using NotebookLM and Institutional Knowledge for Evaluation 43:15 AI for Tool Digitization, Skip Logic, and SurveyCTO 49:40 AI for Data Cleaning and Monitoring 57:25 AI for Quantitative Analysis and Statistical Thinking 01:05:15 AI as a GPS, Not an Analyst 01:11:30 AI for Qualitative Analysis and Coding 01:19:45 Using AI for Reporting, Writing, and Knowledge Products 01:27:10 AI for Presentations and Data Visualization 01:34:20 The Risks of AI: Hallucinations, Bias, and Context Blindness 01:42:15 Privacy, Confidentiality, and Responsible AI Use 01:48:30 Can AI Replace Excel, SPSS, and Traditional Tools? 01:53:40 AI and Human Judgment: Where Do We Draw the Line? 01:58:45 Key Takeaways and Closing Reflections For upcoming events and resources, visit: www.the4thwheel.com Follow our Substack page to stay updated on future webinars: 🔗 https://4thwheelsocialimpact.substack... #gLOCAL2026 #Evaluation #ArtificialIntelligence #MonitoringAndEvaluation #SocialImpact #DataForGood #The4thWheel