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Focus Group Activity: Spring 2007 Training Schedule
Activity Date: November 22, 2006
Activity Length: 15 minutes
Number of Participants: 34
Focus Group Method: Online Survey
Background
Results Summary
Focus Group Activity Results
Information Resources Training Services is reintroducing Microsoft Office training to our list of offerings. We’d like your feedback on which sessions we should offer and what specific topics we should focus on for Spring 2007. We have other new policies and potential training methods that we’d like your input on as well.
Overall, focus group participants are interested in learning more complex topics including intermediate and advanced levels of Microsoft Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher; Adobe Creative Suite; and Macromedia products. Based on feedback provided, the majority of new sessions under consideration appear on-target with campus needs. IR Training Services will proceed in offering the following topics to the campus community Spring 2007:
- Microsoft Excel: A picture says a 1000 words: make your point with Excel charts (intermediate)
- Microsoft Outlook: Get control of your email! Email organization (intermediate)
- Designing an event flyer with impact (beginner)—consideration is being given to offering this session using Adobe InDesign rather than Microsoft Publisher
- Computing from Home
- Web Awareness
- Understanding Technology of the iGeneration
Participants completed a 14-question online survey assessing their interest in several new training sessions under consideration and a variety of program ideas for future planning.
Participant feedback may be paraphrased
When asked “What Microsoft Office classes would be most useful to you?” the majority of respondents noted Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher. Suggested Microsoft Office class offerings of interest to over 60% of the focus group include Microsoft Excel: A picture says a 1000 words: make your point with Excel charts (intermediate); Microsoft Publisher: Designing an event flyer with impact (beginner); and Microsoft Outlook: Get control of your email! Email organization (intermediate).
The two most preferred class times include mid-morning (9:30 – 11:30 am) and early afternoon (1:30 – 3:30 pm).
68% of respondents would be interested in follow-up practice exercises to be completed independently after a training session.
77% of focus group participants would consider taking a class if it were offered online.
When asked if they would be interested in attending training held at Rowan, but presented by a neighboring institution, 79% were in favor of a reciprocal training program.
Regarding implementing an attendance policy to prevent no-shows who reserve seats and keep others from coming to training, 59% of responses indicated Maybe or No.
Although 85% of focus group participants have yet to participate in a guest instructor session, the majority noted an interest in topics under consideration including Computing from Home, Web Awareness, and Understanding Technology of the iGeneration. Additional guest instructor suggestions include Oracle and Linux.
68% note an interest in attending a “learning lab” allowing participants to use online resources in an environment conducive to learning.
When asked which technology the focus group would like to be considered in future planning, the majority of participants noted an interest in Adobe Acrobat Professional 7, Macromedia Dreamweaver 8, Adobe Photoshop CS2, and Adobe InDesign CS2.
How can we improve our training?
“Honestly, I think you are doing a wonderful job with training. I think online classes will certainly help. There are times I can not leave the office, but I can log on and learn. I also loved how the last training I attended, you mixed us all up so we weren’t sitting with our friends, but had to socialize and get to know other people.”
“Continue to offer programs at different levels (i.e. beginner, intermediate, advanced)”
“I would suggest setting up a website/wiki where faculty (and possibly students) could go to learn about technology resources on campus. It could also include links to vetted tutorials and other resources on the web.”
“Large assortment of classes, higher level, more tech type.”
“Offer more advanced topics including additional guest instructor sessions, Adobe Creative Suite, and Macromedia products.”
“Keep up-to-date with the latest technology and hold workshops to teach staff. I’m not sure what several of the above programs do, so an e-mail to describe what is new and list dates of instruction workshops will be held. Thanks.”
