Human Performance Technology

Gilbert's Behavior Engineering Model:

Currently our campus is wanting to increase our scores in  TPRI.  To achieve this, our school if encouraging teachers to go the extra distance for the students.  One way to enhance performance would be to use the Gilbert's Behavior Model...

Cell 1:  As a grade level look at the scores from the beginning of the year screening.  Based on the scores, teachers will identify what skills the students are struggling in.  The grade level will discuss their findings with the campus instructional leader.

Cell 2:  Together the teachers and instructional leader will locate, create, and/or borrow the appropriate materials needed to assist their students in learning the skills they are lacking.  

Cell 3:  Goals will be set for improvement.  If needed, staff development opportunities will be looked into.  

Cell 4:  At this stage we will begin to work with the students on the skills that they are needing to develop.  If any teacher is having difficulty with a students progress than we will meet again to assist him/her with strategies.  

Cell 5:  As the teaching continues, we will move students around in groups.  Some students may attend another teachers training, if there is a connection made or if the need arises.  

Cell 6:  The students will be assessed again and the scores will be reviewed.  Teachers and students will be recognized for their work and for any progress that was made.

Electronic Performance Support Systems:

Electronic Performance Support Systems (EPSS) has many definitions, below are a few that I found from Wikipedea:  

Electronic Performance Support Systems, published in 1991, Gloria Gery defined EPSS as:

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 and monitoring systems to permit job performance with minimal support and intervention by others.

Also in 1991, Barry Raybould gave a shorter definition:

a computer-based system that improves worker productivity by providing on-the-job access to integrated information, advice, and learning experiences.

From a business perspective, a former Nortel Networks executive, William Bezanson (2002) provides a definition linked to application usability and organizational results:

A performance support system provides just-in-time, just enough training, information, tools, and help for users of a product or work environment, to enable optimum performance by those users when and where needed, thereby also enhancing the performance of the overall business.

When reading them all, I would agree most with Gloria Gery's definition.  I feel that EPSS is intended for us to use and learn from with minimal support.  I can not totally agree with the others because I do not believe that it always can improve productivity or that it provides just enough training.  Many times, I have a difficult time using EPSS.

Why has EPSS not been widely used?  

I believe this is the case for two reasons.  First, many people do not know about EPSS.  Many companies do not advertise or train their employers on it.  Second, it seems harder to look for the assistance that to ask someone for it.  I can quickly get assistance from a co-worker or from the technology department rather than trying to locate the help on my computer.  If I decide to use the EPSS, I have to make sure I know what exactly I need assistance with and the terminology I will need to use to locate it.  For these reasons, I do not believe EPSS will become more prevalent in the future.  

Blended Learning Approach and Knowledge Management:

Problem:  Communication with parents is down.  Many parents do not involved or knowledgeable about what is expected of their children.

Solution:  The teacher created a class website, blog, wiki, etc...  The site would include information for parents, assignments for students, upcoming information, and links for assistance.  The  parents can comment on information and get assistance when needed.  The teacher can also add online training for assistance on some learning skills.

Result:  Happy teachers, students, and parents (well, most of the time)

Informal Learning:

Informal Learning	Purpose	Experience	Engaging	Role I played	Role Instructor played
Online Instruction	To instruct me about what I was learning.	I have watched about 5 online instructions for my college courses.	It was not engaging.  I simply watched it.	I watched the online instruction, took notes, and then completed the assignment.	He created the online instructions, made it available to us, and then graded our work.
Video Conferencing	To interact with each other over a live video stream	I took an ESL certification class and the instructor taught us via live video stream.	Yes	I listened, took notes, and asked questions.	The instructor set up the video stream, taught the material, and was available for questions.
Electronic College	To take college classes online	My entire Master’s work has been completed from online classes.	Some classes have been more than others.	I have participated in discussions and the online community.  I have also completed the required work and submitted it online.	To set up the materials and resources.  To be available for questions and concerns. To create an online community.