Section 4: Human Performance Technology

1. Chapter 14 discusses the concept and evolution of human performance improvement. Several sections of chapter 14 present a variety of non-instructional solutions (e.g., p. 137 on the top left) to performance problems. Identify a performance problem in your area of work and identify non-instructional solutions that may help solve the problem.

3A problem we have had in the past is getting everyone to complete their STaR Chart survey (www.txstarchart.org) for the district.  This is a mandatory survey.  “The School Technology and Readiness is a teacher tool for Planning and Self-Assessing aligned with the Long-Range Plan for Technology.”1  This is an important survey as it helps the district and school administrations see where we are ranking as far as technology usage goes.  It seems like teachers don’t feel like this is an important task or either aren’t informed as to the significance that the information from this survey provides.  I believe a reward system could be a non-instructional solution that would help solve this problem.  Teacher at our campus are definitely reward driven, whether it be a free “jean” day or a drawing for a gift card.  I also think the staff needs to be told the importance of the survey and why their opinion is valued in this matter.  The only way our campus can improve in this area is if we know what is done already and what isn’t.    

2. Define performance support systems and explain how a performance support system might (or might not) help solve the problem you identified above.

“Performance support can be defined as a system that provides performers with varying levels of access to support information and tools at the moment of need.”2  I can’t really think of a system that could be used to help with HPI in this case.  Perhaps showing a STaR completed in years past and listing the improvements made thanks to the response of those that completed the survey.

3. Chapter 16 explains knowledge management: the way we manage information, share that information, and use it to solve organization problems. Organizations, such as schools, accumulate a great deal information/data, which must be organized in a way that we can make sense of it in order to use for making decisions. What knowledge would help solve the problem you identified above and how would that knowledge need to be collected and managed, and shared to help facilitate problem solving?

4I think if we collected all the data from past surveys, along with the changes it brought about, then the staff would see that their voice does matter and is making a difference for the entire school.  I’m a very visual person so I’d like to see graphs and charts showing the results.   

4. Chapter 17 describes types of informal learning. What informal learning experiences have you participated in at your organization? Could those informal learning experiences be shared with others? Could the knowledge gained in those settings be codified and managed? And should it be managed or should the informal experiences be replicated or broadened for others? 

I went through an A/C program when I became a teacher.  My first days, weeks and months in the classroom were the first experiences I had in a classroom setting.  Student teaching wasn’t part of the program.  So I believe just being thrown into the ring like that was a HUGE informal learning experience.  I was responsible for learning everything I felt like I needed to know in order to educate my students.  The tables were turned several years later when I became a mentor teacher to new teachers.  I was able to relate to them since I was previously in their shoes.  I was able to offer advice and step away when I felt like they could take it on. 

1.  Texas STaR Chart. Retrieved September 21, 2016, from http://www.txstarchart.org/

2.  Reiser, Robert V.; Dempsey, John V.. Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology (3rd Edition) (Page 155). Pearson HE, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

3. Think Breadcrumb Links Aren't Good For User Experience? Yes, They Are! Retrieved September 22, 2016, from http://marketingland.com/breadcrumb-links-good-user-experience-yes-97848

4.The Disconnect in Connecting the Workplace - Brian Solis. (n.d.). Retrieved September 22, 2016, from http://www.briansolis.com/2014/07/disconnect-connecting-workplace/