disasterready.org - training needs survey results
DESCRIPTION
This report details the findings of an online training needs survey conducted by DisasterReady.org between November 2013 and January 2014. The objective of the survey was to help DisasterReady.org and other training providers to better understand and address the specific online training needs and preferences of aid workers.TRANSCRIPT
Humanitarian Training Needs Survey Results
January 2014
About DisasterReady.org
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Sponsor
The Cornerstone OnDemand Foundation
Goal
Increase the preparedness & effectiveness of humanitarians by providing accessible, high-quality training
Portal
A free, easy-to-use online learning platform focused on disaster preparedness & response
Contact
Table of Contents
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About DisasterReady.org
Executive Summary
Methodology
Findings Profile of Respondents
Preferenceso Training
o Hardware & Software
Priority Training Topics
Priority Subject Areas
Conclusion
Executive Summary
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This report details the findings of an online training needs survey conducted by DisasterReady.org between November 2013 and January 2014. The objective of the survey was to help DisasterReady.org and other training providers to better understand and address the specific online training needs and preferences of aid workers.
Key Findings:o The most requested topics for additional training include project management,
disaster risk reduction, monitoring & evaluation, strategic planning & visioning, and leadership.
o The most popular subject areas for additional training pertain to disaster preparedness & resilience and situations involving conflict (alone, or in combination with natural hazards).
oOnline coursework is the preferred form of training (narrowly eclipsing face to face, classroom-based coursework).
oMost respondents can commit to at least 1 hour of time to complete online learning in one sitting.
o The large majority of aid workers are not yet using smartphones or tablets to access online training.
Through this survey report, DisasterReady.org hopes to assist organizations concerned with humanitarian training to more accurately target new content development efforts and to better tailor accessibility options. For more information or to discuss the results of this survey, please contact: [email protected].
Methodology
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The survey was conducted online via SurveyMonkey between November 2013 and January 2014. DisasterReady.org promoted the survey through its website, in its monthly newsletters, on relevant LinkedIn groups, and through its partner agencies.
The survey questionnaire was developed with both training needs (broadly defined) and training preferences (with an emphasis on accessibility to online training resources) in mind. DisasterReady.org gratefully acknowledges the assistance of UNHCR and the DisasterReady.org Content Working Group in the design of the survey.
A total of 191 people responded to the survey. Due to resource limitations, the survey was conducted solely in English. Not surprisingly, the far majority of respondents identified English as their preferred language. Additional survey work will be required to gain a clearer picture of the specific training needs and preferences of non-English-speaking aid workers.
Key Findings
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Profile of Respondents
Preferenceso Training
o Hardware & Software
Priority Training Topics
Priority Subject Areas
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Profile of Respondents
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Profile of Respondents, cont.
Profile of Respondents, cont.
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Profile of Respondents, cont.
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Preferences - Training
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Preferences - Training
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Preferences - Hardware & Software
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Note: not percentages, but number of responses out of a total of 154
Priority Training Topics - Top 10
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Note: not percentages, but number of responses out of a total of 152
Priority Subject Areas
Conclusion
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While the results of this survey speak to the specific training needs and preferences of only a small percentage of aid workers, they provide a useful snapshot of the training topics, subject areas, and means of access that are most in demand.
Beyond the survey’s ranking of specific training topics, one of its most valuable findings relates to how aid workers prefer to access training. When asked to rank training formats that work best for the respondent’s availability and learning style, online courses (while connected to the internet) emerged as the most preferred form of training. Granted, a survey conducted online (as this one was) is likely to capture the input of a generally internet-friendly group of respondents. Nevertheless, this preference for online training represents an important development in the humanitarian sector that should serve to guide decision-making about the design and delivery of training resources.
Contact Us
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As a free training resource that seeks to improve the preparedness and effectively of aid workers around the globe, DisasterReady.org would welcome your thoughts on how we can best develop and make available eLearning resources that meet the specific needs of humanitarians.
If you would like to request a copy of the survey questions and a complete listing of all responses received to the question of training topics most in demand, please let us know.
Email: [email protected]
Learn Now: www.DisasterReady.org
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