Section 4: Human Performance Technology

1. At the beginning of the school year, in my pre-k classroom, center time can feel like a zoo. The major areas of concern (or performance problems) would be sharing and cleaning up. To help solve these problems in an instructional way we split up into small groups and learn about what is in each center, how to use it and how to clean up.We also read stories and role play sharing situations. A non-instructional  way to help with these problems is to let the students have the experience of putting these skills to use in real situations, so without having someone hovering over them telling them how to act, they have to learn what behavior works with their friends and what behavior does not. They also have to use their own trial and error when cleaning up and deciding things like, "does this toy bin go on this shelf".
Another example of a performance problem for my students would be difficulty writing their names. An instructional way for me to help with this would be to write their name holding the pencil with them and writing it for them and having them copy my sample. A non-instructional way would be for me to create name writing opportunities, such as signing your name on the waiting list for the center you want or signing your name on a card to a friend, or writing your name on the graph under which story character you liked the best.

2.

Our textbook defines Electronic Performance Support Systems as electronic systems that provided integrated access to:

 - information 

 - advice 

- learning experiences

- tools to help someone perform a task with minimal support from others.

Other definitions of EPSS:
-An Electronic Performance Support System (EPSS) is any computer software program or component that improves user performance.
(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_performance_support_systems )

-An Electronic Performance Support System is, according to Barry Raybould, "a computer-based system that improves worker productivity by providing on-the-job access to integrated information, advice, and learning experiences" (Raybould, 1991).
(source: https://www.msu.edu/~sleightd/epss_copy.html?pagewanted=all )

I prefer the last definition because, first of all, it is more informative. Also it tells an EPSS's benefits ("improves worker productivity"), tells the setting it is used in ("on-the-job access") and tells what it provides ("integrated information, advice, and learning experiences").

I believe that EPSS have not been widely used because of fear of technology and of changing the old ways of training and information acess. I believe they will become more widely used because they cater to all types of learners with the use of textual, audio and visual components. They can give the user a hands-on type of experience,but without the use of an instructor. This avenue is becoming more prevalent with advances in technology and the elimination of positions due to the economy.

3. In my line of work I use blending learning to help make decisions about my students academic progress. An example of this would be creating small groups for my students. The tangible data that I use to help me make this decision is the results of my Beginning, Middle and End of the Year testing, called CPalls (phonological awareness,vocabulary)  and our Six Weeks Skills Reports(colors, shapes, letters, numbers). I also blend this with the personal knowledge I have about each student. I know their personalities and which students will cooperate and work the best with each other.

4. Informal learning is occuring all the time. As, a teacher I love informal learning. As a part of our different themes we take many different field trips to places such as farms, the planetarium, the grocery store. I love that students just think we are taking a fun trip and don't even know that they are learning. They are building vocabulary and knowledge while taking everything in and discussing it with their friends. In this type of setting I might use a more laidback instructor approach by just chatting with students about what they are experiencing and giving them opportunities to see as much as they can. I also use informal learning with fellow teachers. We will chat for a second in the hallway or the lounge and share ideas and lessons that we are using with our students. In this instance I am both an instructor and learner.It is both social (because we talk about our personal lives as well) and instructional.

In my personal life I have also been exposed to informal learning. I absolutely love http://www.pinterest.com/. My husband says I need an intervention.LOL This is a social type of learning because I am learning by talking and sharing with friends.I am an instructor and learner because I am sharing ideas on my pinboard, but also looking at my friends' to see what they have pinned. It is engaging to me because I can learn how to do or make about anything that I am interested in. This tool has helped me make my house cute : ) , cook delicious food, and create new projects for my students.