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.

1. Training Needs Assessment
March 2015

2. Table of Contents
2
About DisasterReady.org
Executive Summary
Methodology
Findings
 Profile of Respondents
 Preferences
o Training
o Hardware & Software
 Priority Training Topics
Conclusion

3. 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

4. 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.
o More than 50% of respondents have used a smartphone to access online learning,
with Android being the most popular operating system.
o Online 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.

5. 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.

6. Profile of Respondents
6

7. 92% selected English as their preferred language
7
n=333

8. 47% identified themselves as native English speakers
8
n=413

9. 75% of respondents have less than 10 years of experience
9
n=413

10. 83% have less than 10 years of experience spent specifically
in the field.
10
n=413

11. 52% are working in field offices
11
n=333

12. 80% are currently based in Africa or Asia
12
n=413

13. 33% work in program operations
13
n=413

14. 60% currently work with an International NGO
14
n=413

15. 73% identify themselves as nationals.
15
n=413

16. 67% are male
16
n=413

17. 67% are less than 40 years of age
17
n=413

18. 60% have access to broadband/high-speed internet
18
n=413

19. 88% can commit less than 2 hours to online learning in one
sitting
19
n=333

20. 35% can commit more than 7 hours per month to online
learning
20
n=333

21. Preferences
21

22. 22
n=333
Online courses and reading materials rank as the two most
preferred forms of learning

23. 86% use Windows PC to access online learning
23
n=332

24. Chrome is the most popular internet browser (35%) followed
by Internet Explorer (27%) and Firefox (21%)
24
n=333

25. 46% have used a tablet for online learning with Android-based
tablets being the most popular
25
n=333

26. 26
n=333
54% have used a smartphone for online learning with Android
being the most popular

27. Priority Training Topics
27

28. 70% are interested in both humanitarian aid worker and
community preparedness content
28
n=333

29. 29
n=333
Learners cited project management, leadership, and strategic planning as
the top subject areas in which they would benefit from additional training

30. Learners would benefit most from additional training in the areas of
community-based disaster preparedness and complex emergencies.
30
n=333

31. 77% would benefit from enhanced accessibility options
31
n=335

32. 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