Computer training and training transfer: An exploratory study

As information systems become fixtures in the modern workplace, the need for computer training rises. Such training is only beneficial to the end user if he or she uses and retains what was taught. Known as transfer of training, it is defined as the degree to which trainees generalize and maintain the knowledge, skills and attitudes gained in the training context of the job. This study explored the area of computer training transfer by means of three questionnaires and interviews. 35 end users at the House of Commons in Ottawa, Canada were used to test 12 hypotheses. Three hypotheses were supported. Major findings include the influence post-training understanding has on the maintenance of computer training, and the respective influences encouragement for training and a continuous learning culture have on the generalization and maintenance of computer training. The interviews revealed that computer training generalized is related to the end user's job requirements.