End user computer training: Trainees' perspectives on the behaviors of effective trainers.

摘要

End user computer (EUC) training has become an important contributor to the use and success of information systems. Research has demonstrated that trainers are a focal point in training effectiveness. However, the role of the trainer in EUC courses has only been recently examined. Considering this gap, the purpose of this study was to identify the behaviors that characterize effective EUC trainers from the trainees' perspectives. Out of the behaviors identified, this study also sought to distinguish those that were the most significant to trainees. For comparison and cross-validation purposes, trainers were modestly used in this study.; The Q methodology research design resulted in 29 trainees identifying 85 effective EUC trainer behaviors through interviews. Five trainees and five trainers categorized the behaviors into meaningful groups. Analysis revealed trainees created 12 categories, while trainers created 11. Category comparison yielded 8 commonalities: traits/emotions, how the trainer should approach class, questions, whole class instruction, knowledge of software, knowledge of software/relate it to job, evaluation/reinforcement, and materials.; Trainees and trainers Q sorted the self-created categories into three ratings: extremely important, very important, and important. Although trainees frequently rated 18 behaviors as extremely important and trainers rated 8 behaviors as extremely important, there were no behaviors that were extremely important to both trainees and trainers. Yet, when the scale was broadened to consider both extremely and very important behaviors, participants agreed that instructional methods, practice, communication, and anticipatory sets were essential to EUC trainer effectiveness.; The findings related to categorical trainer behaviors validate and add to the current literature of training effectiveness. Thus, a new model of training effectiveness is offered. The findings relevant to the most significant EUC trainer behaviors single out certain factors of the learning environment as the most important. Implications for trainers and training are presented.