7.1: Establishing ICT training needs for individuals or groups

Table of Contents

1. Training needs analysis
   1. TNA problems
   2. Estimating ICT Competence
   3. Sources of information regarding ICT competence
   4. Information gathering techniques
   5. Direct Observation
   6. Examination of Work Products
   7. Practical Tests and Assessments
   8. Questionnaires or Checklists
   9. Staff Appraisal Reports
   10. Interviews or Focus Groups
   11. Areas of competence
   12. Learning objectives
   13. Methods of gathering information
   14. Dealing with differing skill levels

Direct Observation

This is one of the most reliable methods for you to gauge the learner's competence. You will see for yourself exactly what they can and cannot do. You can supplement this by questioning to extend to situations which occur rarely or would be emergencies. Use questions like "What would you do if the system crashed at this point?" or "Can you think of an occasion when what you have just done would not be appropriate?"

There are a few disadvantages with direct observation. The learner may feel nervous and so under-perform. Alternatively, they may "play to the camera", although this is usually easily spotted. The main drawback is that observation must be done on a one-to-one basis. It is therefore time-consuming. Another difficulty can be that you have to arrange a time which is convenient to both you and the learner and when work conditions allow the learner to carry out the specified tasks.

Let's have a look now at Examination of work products or records...