Course
WLD-NAY
Needs Analysis
Why do so many learning solutions fail to achieve their anticipated impact?
The fault most often lies upfront in the design cycle - with a failure to understand the needs of the organization and learning audience. In this course, you'll examine how to conduct a proper learning needs assessment, a key step in ensuring that learning is aligned with the correct workplace performance issues and focused on the right skill and knowledge gaps. You will learn match the best needs analysis methods for a variety of situations, practice various techniques for collecting and interpreting data, and prepare a needs analysis plan. Through practical exercises and case studies you will strengthen your own ability to analyze situations and confidently present recommendations.
Online Course: 3-5 hours of work per week (including discussion, assignments, readings, research)
Learning Outcomes
Critical Performance Statement:
By the end of this course, learners will have demonstrated the ability to...
Apply a systematic process for conducting a learning needs analysis that will focus the solution design on required learner and business needs and target the right skills and knowledge.
Learning Outcomes:
To achieve the critical performance described above, professionals will have demonstrated the ability to...
-
Explain the importance of a learning needs analysis in the design of a successful learning solution.
-
Plan an effective needs analysis matched to a variety of organizational situations.
-
Conduct task and competency analysis to identify knowledge and skills required for performance.
-
Select effective data collection methods for assessing needs at various levels.
-
Develop and present recommendations that support learning needs and priorities identified.
Recommendations
The course requires a computer and online access to the OISE course environment, as well as the ability to connect online to other websites and resources as required. Important: You may require the ability to download tools and software in order to experiment with various technologies. We will encourage you to get comfortable with creating accounts with various social media sources (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.).
Certificate of Completion:
Upon successful completion of the program, you will be issued a digital Certificate of Completion from OISE Continuing and Professional Learning at the University of Toronto.
Course can be applied towards
Adult Learning and Development: Compulsory Courses
Full Course Details
Section Title:
Enrolment Session:
Type:
Total Hours:
Instructors:
Dates:
Delivery Option:
Course Fee(s):
Section Note(s):
DEADLINE TO REGISTER: July 2, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
If the “Add to Cart” button is still visible, late registration may be available, if time and space permit. Register early, as courses sometimes fill before the posted deadline.
Course Format
This 7-week course runs fully online in a blend of asynchronous and optional synchronous (live) sessions. It is facilitator-led and organized into weekly modules that include readings, discussions, and assignments with set due dates.
Technology Requirements
You’ll need a reliable internet connection and a modern web browser to access course materials. Optional live sessions (if offered) will be announced within the course site.
Registration Process
- Select 'Add to Cart' and proceed to checkout.
- Log in to your Learner Portal (or create an account) and complete payment.
Withdrawal and Refund Policy
Withdrawal, transfer, and refund requests must be submitted before the course start date. Partial refunds or one-time transfers may be available within a short period after the start date (see policy for details). View the full policy on our website under Policies & Guidelines > Withdrawals and Transfer Policy.
Get Notifications About Course Enrolment or Section Availability
Request Information