Measuring meeting outcomes to drive improvement is a key best practice for any program. Today, most evaluations consist of Web-based surveys or paper “smile sheets.” Although these tools are helpful in obtaining feedback and assessing programs, they present several key challenges.
Typically, Web-based surveys result in very low response rates. People just have too many “inputs” in their email inbox and are pressed for time. The meeting or session they attended yesterday or last week is no longer top of mind. Thus, even when participants do respond, the perceptions recorded by such evaluation instruments are less valid.
Paper-based forms are immediate but a hassle to tabulate. They require manual data entry or optical scanning. Setting up survey forms and distributing follow-up reminders by email requires additional effort. Analytical reports can take days or weeks to obtain and distribute.
Validity is an issue with both Web and paper surveys. Getting honest feedback is a challenge, particularly when assessments are submitted to a supervisor or manager. Individual participants are often fearful that less-than-positive feedback will result in manager reprisals. Such fears negatively impact survey validity.
Wireless keypads offer an effective alternative to both paper and Web-based evaluations. By adding six or eight standard evaluation questions to the PowerPoint slide deck, presenters can immediately gather evaluation data. Participants respond using handheld wireless keypads. The entire process requires two minutes to complete.
Interactive systems eliminate manual tabulation or scanning. Response rates consistently exceed 90 percent. Impressions are highly valid because the session is top of mind. Plus, respondents are not as fearful of reprisal by managers because they know that input gathered with keypads cannot be associated with their identity.
Contact us today for a free online demonstration to learn how audience response technology will enhance the effectiveness of your meeting evaluations and employee surveys.
We will be happy to share information about how we have helped other customers automate their training evaluation process. OTI takes pride in our dependability, personalized customer service, and powerful audience response systems. To learn more, click here.
