Needs Analysis for the Airport Travel Guide eLearning Module

1. Introduction: The purpose of this needs analysis is to identify the skills gap among students who are traveling by air for the first time and to support the development of an eLearning module that addresses these gaps. The analysis aims to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the airport experience, from arrival at the terminal to boarding the aircraft.

2. Target Audience: The primary target audience for this eLearning module is first-time student travelers. These students may be traveling for academic purposes, vacations, or study abroad programs and typically have limited to no experience with air travel.

3. Skills Gap Identified: The primary skills gap identified is the lack of familiarity with airport procedures and processes among first-time student travelers. This includes understanding the check-in process, navigating airport facilities, security screening, and effective time management within the airport. The specific areas where students need support are:

• Knowledge of airport layout and terminology.

• Step-by-step check-in procedures.

• Luggage tagging and drop-off processes.

• Security screening protocols.

• Using airport kiosks and trams.

4. Methodology: The needs analysis was conducted through the following methods:

a. Surveys and Questionnaires:

• Target Audience: First-time student travelers.

• Purpose: To gather data on students’ current knowledge and experiences with airport travel.

• Key Questions:

  • Have you traveled by air before?

  • How confident do you feel about navigating the airport?

  • Which aspects of airport travel do you find most confusing or challenging?

  • What specific information would you like to know about airport procedures?

b. Focus Groups:

• Participants: Groups of students who have recently traveled and those who have not traveled by air.

• Purpose: To discuss and identify common challenges and uncertainties faced by students when traveling through an airport.

• Discussion Points:

  • Personal experiences with airport travel.

  • Common problems encountered during check-in and security screening.

  • Suggestions for resources or training that could help ease the travel process.

c. Interviews with Airport Staff and Frequent Travelers:

• Interviewees:

  • Airport Staff: Check-in agents, security personnel, and customer service representatives.

  • Frequent Travelers: Students and other frequent flyers with extensive air travel experience.

• Purpose: To gain insights into common mistakes or misunderstandings that first-time travelers have and to gather expert advice on best practices for navigating the airport.

• Topics Covered:

  • Common issues faced by first-time travelers.

  • Tips for smooth check-in and security screening.

  • Advice on using self-service kiosks and airport transportation.

d. Observational Studies:

• Observation: Students at the airport during peak travel times.

• Purpose: To observe behaviors, identify areas of confusion, and note any procedural bottlenecks.

• Focus Areas:

  • Interaction with check-in counters and kiosks.

  • Navigation through security screening.

  • Use of airport signage and information desks.

5. Findings: The needs analysis revealed that:

• A significant number of students lack basic knowledge of airport procedures.

• Many students feel anxious and overwhelmed by the thought of navigating the airport for the first time.

• There is confusion about specific steps such as using self-service kiosks, tagging luggage, and passing through security screening.

• Students expressed a desire for a clear, step-by-step guide to help them understand and prepare for the airport experience.

6. Decision Making:

• Stakeholders Involved:

  • Educational Institutions: Academic advisors and student travel coordinators.

  • Airline Representatives: Customer service and training managers.

  • Airport Authorities: Operational managers and customer experience teams.

• Decision Makers: A committee comprising representatives from educational institutions, airline customer service teams, and airport operational managers reviewed the findings of the needs analysis and determined the necessity of the eLearning module.

7. Conclusion: The findings of this needs analysis highlight the necessity for an eLearning module that provides a comprehensive, user-friendly guide to airport travel. By addressing the identified skills gaps, the module will help students feel more confident and prepared, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable airport experience. This eLearning module will include detailed instructions, visual aids, and practical tips to cover every aspect of airport travel, from check-in to boarding the plane.