Section 4: Human Performance Technology (K. Calloway)

1.  Human performance is the valued result of the work of the people working within a system.  Human Performance Technology consists of those principles and applications that are concerned with improving the impact of any and all factors that affect those results.

In my area of work, principals are constantly evaluating the effectiveness of teacher instruction.  Our district has created learning walks that allow various groups of teachers and administrators to randomly choose a classroom instructor to visit and evaluate their lesson of the day.  The learning walk is to be used as a helping tool, not an evaluation but many administrators do take into account what is noted by those visiting the classroom.  This method is used to improve the impact of the student performance results.

2.  Electronic Performance Support System 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 and monitoring systems to permit job performance with minimal support and intervention by others.  I prefer this definition because it clearly defines the use of EPSS and why it is used.  I do not see this system being more prevalent in the future because many organizations have access to the internet and current applications that are being used.

3.  A problem in my line of work is creating interventions based on Benchmark and standardized test.  I think this issue could be resolved if a document or database could be created that would be focus on various objectives or skills students need development in.  This knowledge would be useful if it could be shared and used among the teaching community using collaborative technology.

4.     In my adult life I’ve enjoyed informal learning.  I enjoy the opportunity to have collaborative learning in a space that is open and accessible.  Knowledge Management system is to enable staff or students to have ready access to the organization's documented base of facts, sources of information, and solutions.