Formal vs. informal end user training

Most research on end user training methods has focused on planned, formal methods of assistance such as courses provided by IS (Information System) staff; vendors, and information centers. In this research conducted in Illinois in 1994, samples of end users in finance/budgeting departments in municipalities and private organizations were studied in order to discern how important informal sources of learning are. It was discovered that overall most employees derive much (greater than 75%) of their learning from informal sources. Help-by-peers received the highest evaluation as a source of learning on how to use computers. It is concluded that informal training is extremely important source of training.