Section 4: Human Performance Technology

A Non Instructional Solution to a Performance Problem:

A problem I have been encountering at our school is that teachers are not utilizing our databases for research.  After reading the text and reviewing the HPT model of the International Society for Performance Improvement, my solution involves many different variables.  Through a cause analysis I see that teachers lack; incentives, research skills or knowledge of how to teach it, lack of knowledge of what a database is and its value, lack of skills and knowledge to perform research.  Our school district offers an amazing array of databases for teachers and students to utilize in research.  Unfortunately, many of our teachers don’t teach the correct methods of research and do not know what resources our school has available to them and students.  As an intervention I feel that we need to implement education, training, and value. 

Education:

In doing this I have began discussing the issue with my supervisor.  We have discovered that many teachers do not understand how to teach research skills and are all teaching different research methods.  So, we are working on researching and adopting a uniform research method and together we are going to create a research professional development to be taught to teachers during our back to school professional development next year.  I think that surveying teachers to discover what methods they use would be beneficial to our research.  This will help implement education and training to teachers.  . 

Training:

I will also be available throughout the year to come to teacher’s classrooms and help them teach research strategies and use of our databases, books, and the internet in research to students.  Our school district also has professional developments each Wednesday after school.  Technology/Library has about eight professional developments, which can be utilized to problem shoot or remind teachers about how to use our databases or the steps in research.  I have also created a teacher website that lists all of our databases, an explanation of the database, and a jing project video explaining how to access and use the databases.  I did this so that teachers can access this information when it is most convenient for them.  I presented this website to the teachers this year and through online surveys I found that many of them find this very helpful!  Unfortunately, I think it is only useful to those that understand the value and need of research. 

Value:

Value must be taught and discovered throughout each of these steps and to the children.  If the teachers and children do not see value in the research steps or the databases, then they will not use them. 

Evaluation:

Evaluation must be performed; to discover if teachers are using the research method, if it is effective, if teachers are using databases, if they are effective and much more valuable information. 

EPSS:
What is an EPSS?  A few definitions I found include one from Gloria Gery who is mentioned in our text frequently: “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. The information can be in the form of text, graphical displays, sound, and video presentations.” .   This definition was found at http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/electronic+performance+support+system . 
In addition to the definition above wikipedia also offered two more definitions:
Barry Raybould:  "A computer-based system that improves worker productivity by providing on-the-job access to integrated information, advice, and learning experiences."
William Bezanson:  "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."

I like Gery’s definition the best.  I feel it is comprehensive and fully explains what an EPSS is and what it can do.  For remembering and conveying the idea of what an EPSS is I would prefer to use Barry Raybould’s definition.  I feel that it is clear, understandable, and summarizes Gery’s definition above.

Our text mentions a few reasons why EPSS is not widely used; lack of awareness, cost, time required, resistance to change, etc.  I agree with all of these and I also feel that it is not widely used because it is self led, may not be user friendly or enjoyable.  The scenario of the first day at work mentioned in the text sounded great!  You have all the tools you need to get to work immediately.  After reading it I was impressed, but after putting myself in the situation, I didn’t like the idea as much.  I love working with people, brainstorming, learning from them, teaching them, collaborating, etc.  I am a people person.  Having no interaction with someone to lead me through my job training would be disheartening for me, but employees who do not need that interaction would do great with this first day set up.  I also might find it hard to learn all about the company, its policies, my sales route, etc. from reading online.  I enjoy interaction, hearing how other employees do their sales, where they are at, their success’ and failures, etc. 

I agree with the text in that EPSS can be useful, but when used in conjunction with people.  From a library standpoint, I love the idea of having all of our help, documents, tutorials, and statistics/analysis online for our staff to access on an as needed bases.  The library staff would love this! I do not think it can replace me verbally directing or showing my staff how to do everything.  I think businesses will also still use or begin to use EPSS for this, but in a collaboration venue.  There are so many video conferencing and web 2.0 technologies available for people to work together on projects.  Collaborating, brainstorming, and working with people makes the company stronger and better.  For example, businesses can use watchitoo to have video conferences with each other while sharing websites, files, widgets, etc.  I think it is beneficial and needed to have all of the information available because there are times you will need to access it, but not utilizing EPSS as your main system of information or planning. 

Blended Learning Approach and Knowledge Management:
Problem: Teachers need to know what databases we have available, how to use them, and how to log in. 

Solution: I created a database website.  The website lists all the databases with descriptions, links, and usernames and passwords.  I have also included jing project videos describing how to login and use each database as well. 

Result:  Teachers no longer have to email me asking what the login is to databases, the databases websites, what each database offers etc.  Teachers are also able to explore and learn how to use the databases on their own time, not through a professional development after school. 

Informal Learning:
Last year I was involved in an informal online learning experience.  I attended an online workshop on how to use Capestone’s Collection Wiz. 
Purpose: To learn how to use the Collection Wiz to analyze my library collection; genre, topics, age, etc.

Experience: It was informative, short, and enjoyable. 

Engaging:  The live video showed how to operate the Collection Wiz step by step on the computer.  This session took place in a forum similar to Elluminate, so people could ask questions throughout the session by typing them and there a question and answer session at the end. 

Social: We did sign in and were able to ask question throughout the session via text. 

My Role: I watched the demonstration and listened to the benefits of the program.  I evaluated the parts I wanted to use. 

Instructors Role:  The instructor gave concise information and built value into the system through demonstrating how to use the wiz to its fullest potential.  The instructor also insured our understanding and answered questions written in by participants.