OutdoorType

The big company I work for (never mind exactly who, I’ve worked for several now and they’re all the same) requires a number of annual trainings. The trainings are always the same and consist of some kind of web based flash-like interface. Sometimes the trainings are just mildly painful, but the last one was exceptionally so.

To make matters worse, the folks behind the training are desperate for feedback, and now my inbox has SIX separate emails asking for my thoughts on the class. I’m particularly annoyed at both the job (and myself) right now so I sort of gave them my unvarnished opinion on the last training that I took.

First, here’s their email. Is it me, or does this seem like it was written by a cyborg from the future?

Subject: Measuring Learning Effectiveness - [Name of Online Training Class] 2008

Several days ago you received an email requesting your feedback on [Name of Online Training Class] 2008. To date, we have not received your response.

In order to continuously enhance the value and effectiveness of learning events offered, your thoughtful and timely feedback is essential.

The online evaluation should take you approximately 2 – 5 minutes.

Click here to begin the survey

Needless to say, thinking back to the horrible training class got me all riled up again, and so after marking “Strongly Disagree” to the first seven questions, I then was given the opportunity to explain…

8) What about this class was most useful to you?
This training, like, most required training, was a total waste of time.

9) What about this class was least useful to you?
The web based training was completely unusable and would not properly load on my modern browser (IE 7). Only through persistence was I able to mess around with the stupid interface long enough to coax it through to a point where I could use it (and by use it I mean find a link that would take me to the end). Every module required the same frustrating amount of work. It was the very worst training I have ever taken.

10) How can we improve the training to make it more relevant to your job?
Test your products.

11) What specific actions will you take on the job as a result of this training?
Well, of course I will continue to take the trainings as required, but, you know, only because they are required.

12) Please provide additional comments about how we may improve the learning experience, especially areas you may have scored low.
1. The definition of “quality” is: “An inherent or distinguishing characteristic; a property.” The inherent and distinguishing characteristic of this courseware is that it was the worst designed, worst executed online training I have ever experienced. The frustration factor was only heightened by the overall pointless nature of the exercise and the “urgent” deadline.

2. Clearly I was in no way satisfied with the usability of this course. It was unusable.

3. I learned new knowledge and skills from this training? No, I did not.

Finally, stop filling my inbox with emails asking for feedback. Your courses are terrible. There, are you happy?