Digital Training on Evaluation Essentials
By Chris Kagy and Andrew Ratner, Devis | February 7, 2018
The USAID PM&E Monitoring and Evaluation Essentials course, designed by Devis’ Digital Training team in partnership with Palladium, is prime example of the way Devis combines Agile software methodology with learner-centric course design. Our Digital Learning team’s courses combine interactive course elements, succinct and reader-friendly writing, and personalize the learner’s ability to engage with the material. For this course, we utilized our approach to course design to help staff learn the basics of monitoring and evaluation in an approachable and engaging manner.
The Essentials course uses sound adult learning principles to keep the learner’s decisions in the learner’s hands, as well as to keep her accountable for completing the course. Learners are allowed to move through the course at will, and a progress meter tracks works toward completion. Features like interactive graphics, high-quality audio and video engage the learner and maintain variety, giving an experience that is more interactive and less repetitive than traditional PowerPoint training.
Learner-centric and job-applicable knowledge checks gather data to track use and progress of learners and feed into “lessons learned” discussions that will guide future adaptation of the Essentials course.
Devis currently provides digital training services to USAID’s PPL, M, and E3 bureaus, as well as to other Federal clients.