Undertaking a computer-user skills audit will enable your organisation to identify strengths and weaknesses in IT skills, so that you can start to take steps to ensure that all staff have adequate computer-user skills.
The range of skills that will be needed by workers in your organisation include:
- basic computer knowledge
- confidence with computer use, central to their role (this may require skills in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, financial management programs, graphics programs, publishing programs, etc.)
- working safely with computers
- using computers with clients
- using email
- using the Internet
- using PowerPoint.
An IT training plan for your organisation might include a range of possible options for developing skills:
- skills exchange between workers
- in-house training on specific topics
- online training for individuals
- tailored training for the organisation
- one-off seminars and workshops
- TAFE and other adult education programs.
Use the Assessment of computer-user skills [6] checklists to survey staff about computer-user skills and training needs.