Analysis of Information Technology Training Effectiveness: The Impact on Trainee Reactions, Learning, and Performance

摘要

Through its 'Global Reach', the Air Force operates globally and in environments that are potentially dynamic, competitive, and lethal. 'Information Dominance' has assumed a central role in such environments. In order to achieve Information Dominance, the Air Force must have trained and skilled personnel able to perform highly intensive activities using information technologies. Therefore, it is crucial that information technology training be able to deliver the requisite skills personnel need to attain and sustain performance on these systems. The importance of training gives rise to the need to determine how information technology training can be continually improved to maximize return on training dollars and produce adequately trained personnel. Evaluation of information technology training provides such an avenue by providing information that assesses how well the training program is meeting its goals, both during training and on-the-job. This thesis analyzes the impact of information technology training on trainee reactions, learning, and performance via an information technology training program for a global Air Force command and control (C2) system. Trainee confidence, perceptions, attitudes, test scores, and performance with regard to the C2 system are analyzed to discover if the training positively increases any of these factors. Among the most important results presented is the degree of trainee on-the-job performance improvement using the system following training. With training's relationship to these factors clearly outlined and understood, information technology training courses can be improved and resources allocated to those courses that consistently produce skilled personnel who can perform using information technology.