With any training and development process, it is essential to have some measure of success. This gives both client and trainer the reassurance that the training process is a productive one, and also gives the trainer a level of verification that the training processes and approach are successful, potentially providing feedback that can be used for improvements. When measuring the success of an IT training process, whether it's a formal IT course or more casual on-the-job learning, there are a number of factors to consider, so referring to a checklist can be a useful technique.
Coverage
One of the main evaluation tools for IT training is a questionnaire. After participating in the training program, people can fill this out in written form, or alternatively it can be worked through verbally with an interviewer. One of the main topics to explore is whether or not the training material covers an adequate area of the topic. This will depend on the particular IT discipline being taught and should relate to any objectives or requirements that have been laid out for the training process.
Quality
Questionnaires may also measure the quality of the training material, based on the participants' perceptions. This can include whether the material is being communicated in an accessible way, is easy enough to understand and increases the understanding and skill-set of those undergoing the training. Measuring the quality of training materials themselves is a useful task, focusing on whether the language, images and any other media used are of a sufficient standard.
Relevance
Most IT training involves practical skills as well as knowledge, so trainees can be asked whether they feel the skills and knowledge gained will actually prove to be useful within their jobs. If the training is aimed at people who have not yet started a job but are being prepared for it, this issue will be less relevant, but in cases where individuals are already involved in the work the training relates to, trainees are in a good position to judge the usefulness of material being covered. Trainees can also be asked whether the training materials contain information that they believe is accurate.
Practical Evaluation
Any training process involving a practical skill or set of skills can only be measured accurately by observing these skills being put into action. For this reason, IT training is often accompanied by practical tests and evaluation. It can also be useful to carry this out again at a later date when time has passed since the training process, in order to establish whether or not any learned skills have persisted. Practical evaluations can involve trainees carrying out a work task that incorporates the skills taught, such as using a software program or Internet service, observing behaviour to establish whether subjects are putting these skills into active use.
Improvements
One of the most useful activities within client evaluation from the training perspective is gathering suggestions for improvement. Training processes are most successful when they are continually adapted over time, according to feedback gained from people who have undergone the training, and it is therefore vital to be open to these suggestions. As well as asking for general improvements, it can be illuminating to ask trainees if there are any particular aspects of the training that they perceive as successful or unsuccessful.
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