Training Needs Assessment

March 2015

Table of Contents

2

About DisasterReady.org

Executive Summary

Methodology

Findings

Profile of Respondents

Preferences

o Training

o Hardware & Software

Priority Training Topics

Conclusion

About DisasterReady.org

3

Sponsor

The Cornerstone OnDemand

Foundation

Goal

Increase the preparedness and

effectiveness of humanitarians

by providing accessible, high-

quality training

Portal

A free, easy-to-use online

learning platform focused on

disaster preparedness and

response

Contact

info@DisasterReady.org

Executive Summary

4

This report details the findings of an online training needs survey conducted by

DisasterReady.org between November 2014 and January 2015. 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 92% of respondents indicated English was their preferred language. Yet less than

50% of respondents identified English as their native language.

o 52% identified themselves as field-based. 80% of respondents are currently working

in Asia or Africa.

oMore than 50% of respondents have used a smartphone to access online learning,

with Android being the most popular operating system.

oOnline courses accessed via the web continue to be the preferred learning format,

with reading materials and on-line courses taken offline ranking next highest.

o Learners cited project management, leadership, and strategic planning as the top

subject areas in which they would benefit from additional training

o Learners would benefit most from additional training in the areas of community-based

disaster preparedness and complex emergencies.

Methodology

5

The survey was conducted online via Survey Monkey between November 2014

and January 2015. 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 the DisasterReady.org Content Working Group (including

representatives from UNICEF, UNHCR, RedR UK, UN OCHA, Oxfam, IRC,

WVI, Save the Children, IFRC, and CARE) in the design of the survey.

A total of 413 people responded to the survey and answered at least one

question. The survey was conducted in English and French. 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.

Profile of Respondents

6

92% selected English as their preferred language

7

n=333

47% identified themselves as native English speakers

8

n=413

75% of respondents have less than 10 years of experience

9

n=413

83% have less than 10 years of experience spent specifically

in the field.

10

n=413

52% are working in field offices

11

n=333

80% are currently based in Africa or Asia

12

n=413

33% work in program operations

13

n=413

60% currently work with an International NGO

14

n=413

73% identify themselves as nationals.

15

n=413

67% are male

16

n=413

67% are less than 40 years of age

17

n=413

60% have access to broadband/high-speed internet

18

n=413

88% can commit less than 2 hours to online learning in one

sitting

19

n=333

35% can commit more than 7 hours per month to online

learning

20

n=333

Preferences

21

22

n=333

Online courses and reading materials rank as the two most

preferred forms of learning

86% use Windows PC to access online learning

23

n=332

Chrome is the most popular internet browser (35%) followed

by Internet Explorer (27%) and Firefox (21%)

24

n=333

46% have used a tablet for online learning with Android-based

tablets being the most popular

25

n=333

26

n=333

54% have used a smartphone for online learning with Android

being the most popular

Priority Training Topics

27

70% are interested in both humanitarian aid worker and

community preparedness content

28

n=333

29

n=333

Learners cited project management, leadership, and strategic planning as

the top subject areas in which they would benefit from additional training

Learners would benefit most from additional training in the areas of

community-based disaster preparedness and complex emergencies.

30

n=333

77% would benefit from enhanced accessibility options

31

n=335

Contact Us

32

DisasterReady.org leverages state-of-the-art learning and social networking

technology to provide disaster preparedness and response training to aid

workers around the globe via a dedicated web-based portal. Through

DisasterReady.org, aid workers can share resources and information and

access customized online learning anytime, anywhere in the world. By

providing high-quality, accessible disaster response training at no cost,

DisasterReady.org enables aid workers to do what they do best: save lives,

rebuild communities, and restore hope.

If you would like to receive a full copy of the survey questions and a complete

list of responses, please contact us at info@disasterready.org