Section 4: Human Performance Technology

Chapter 14 discusses the concept of the evolution of human performance improvement.  Several sections of chapter 14 present a variety of non instructional solutions to performance problems.  Identify a performance problem in your area of work and provide a non instructional solution to solve the problem.

1. As a third grade math teacher, a performance problem I have is students failing to show work and prove their answers, which is having a negative effect on their academic progress.  Many of them unfortunately have not been trained to show work on their math problems in 2^nd grade, so it has been quite a struggle for me this year.  In speaking with the students I found that most of them can show me how they got their solution when asked to show me, the problem was getting it to become second nature to them so they would do it automatically on assignments and tests.  I began to praise the students who used strategies and proved their answers on assignments.  I never reprimanded the students who failed to use strategies though.  I did not want them to feel inferior, just to observe the recognition the other students received.  Next, I began to let those students who proved their answers have additional computer time as a reward.  I never gave any explanation as to why, it was simply an added treat. I then began to allow students who proved their answers to come up and use the document camera.  The students really got a kick out of working on it.  They are absolutely amazed at how it along with the use of a projector, puts their work up on the screen.  This caused many of the other students to want to work with the document camera.  However, I explained to them only students who had already proven work on their paper could use the device.  This was a real motivator, the percentage of students proving answers on their work is now about 75% and rising. 

2. Chapter 15 presents several definitions of electronic performance support systems.  In addition to these definitions, locate a few more and indicate your preference explaining why you prefer it.  Additionally, describe why you believe EPSS have not been widely used and if they are more likely to become more prevalent in the future.

Source: EPSScentral

EPSS is an integrated electronic environment that is available to and easily accessible by each employee and is structured to provide immediate individualized on-line access to the full range of information, software, guidance, advice and assistance, data, images, tools and assessment monitoring systems to permit job performance with minimal support and intervention by others.  

Source: encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com

EPSS is a system that provides electronic task guidance and support to the user at the moment of need.  EPSS can provide application help, reference information, guided instructions and or tutorials, subject matter expert advice and hints on how to perform a task more efficiently.  An EPSS can combine various technologies to present the desired information.

I prefer the definition from encyclopedia2. To me support means to assist with a task or problem.  This definition basically sums up what online support is. With EPSS in the workplace, employees will be able to get online support whenever necessary. It allows the user a go to so to speak whenever they are working.  So wherever you choose to work from be it on the job, at home, or even a busy airport he / she will be able to access information and support if necessary.  I think EPSS is not more widely used because a lot of older people in the workforce are a little computer shy.  Even though it seems like we have had computers forever, we have only been using computers in school and home a relatively short time.  Even many businesses used the old filing system as a way of keeping up with record until recently. Much of the older generation is still in the workforce and many of them are having trouble adapting to technology.  However, I think as we edge closer and closer to a totally digital age, more and more employers will utilize EPSS. With the economy suffering the way it is more and more jobs will be taken over by computers.  No longer will there be a need for on the job trainers, it will all be done with EPSS.

3. Knowledge management is the way we manage information, share that information, and use it.  Organizations, such as schools, are full of information/data=good decision making.  Identify a real or hypothetical problem in your line of work.  How might a blended learning approach, including the use of a knowledge management system, be used to solve the problem?

I think we should incorporate things and ideas student use in their everyday life into instruction.   This is why I incorporate games into my math lessons. I try to use games that the students have been exposed to on a regular basis. I work in what would be considered an inner city area of Dallas and most of my students have been exposed to games like dominos or spades.   At the beginning of the school year when I have finished my pre-assessments. I take a look at which students are in need of help learning basic skills such as addition and multiplication facts and place value. When I design an instructional plan for these students, I always incorporate some kind of game within the lessons for informal observation. For place value I use a deck of playing cards. I pair the students up in groups of two. Each person has a game board which I have designed which has place value up to the hundred thousands place.  Each student tales a turn pulling a card and has to place a card on one of the value spaces on the chart. When all of the spaces are filled on both cards the each students has to read the number and tell the value of the number in each place. It is a really big hit with the kids. By doing this I am incorporating something the know (cards), something they like (playing games), and instructional goals (place value).

4. Describe the types of informal learning you have been exposed to in your adult life.  What was the purpose? What was the experience like? Was it engaging? Social? What role did you play? What role did the instructor play?

When I think about the last memorable time I was engaged in informal learning, belly dancing comes to mind.  I have an acquaintance who teaches belly dancing classes and I along with a few co-workers decided to take lessons from her. We felt that it would be good for strengthening our core muscles and it would be something fun we could all do together. I of course am not the most coordinated, so I of course was not the best student, but I do thing I was great for moral because a lot of people got a laugh at my expense. The instructor was a little tougher than I thought she would be, if you were doing a step wrong she would single you out and come over and make you practice it over and over until you got it correct. She was not trying to be difficult, she actually thought she was helping, but it was a little embarrassing at times.  However, it was a fun experience, my co workers and I got to bond a great deal and we even learned a short routine.