Is the effectiveness of formal end-user software training a mirage?

摘要

Formal methods are perceived to play an important role in end-user software training and learning. However, evidence does not exist to support the effectiveness of formalized training on future use of the target software. This study uses qualitative research methods to explore the views of end-users with respect to the most recent formal software training session they attended. We use concepts from theories of self-regulation to generate questions and propositions that guide our analysis. Goals and intentions, self-efficacy and expectancy, individual characteristics, feedback and support were the subject of our questions. It was clear that pre-training goals were not matched with trainer goals, and that most trainees who adopted the software needed a second round of training before they began to use it on the job. Our interviewees provide recommendations for trainers, administrators, and software vendors with respect to software training. They advocate the need to establish training relevance early and ensure congruence of the goals of all the stakeholders. We discuss the findings and implications of the study and suggest areas for further study.