Human Performance Technology

1.      Chapter 14 discusses the concept of the evolution of human performance improvement. Several sections of chapter 14 present a variety of non instructional solutions to performance problems. Identify a performance problem in your area of work and provide a non instructional solution to solve the problem. 

A year ago, I worked for a mortgage company that was reorganizing a department. I was there from the beginning. After working in the department for a year I felt like there was no focus on performance. Employee morale was low, and lack of communication to employee as to the direction of the department was really going. Employee behavior change and many of my team members were starting to come to work late often. Employees started leaving the company or wanted to transfer to different department, which open management eyes to start taking some action.

I went to work every day not knowing if I was doing my job right. Once I decided to leave the company. I was advice I was one of the top performer on my team. After voicing my concern, management advise they would start sending monthly stats out for the team. Also they advise they would do employee of the month. I am thankful that I was able to help with changing and improving employee morale before leaving the company. Human Performance Improvement is so important in the work place. Stating objective and giving feedback is important when it comes to performance in the workplace.

2.      Chapter 15 presents several definitions of electronic performance support systems. In addition to these definitions, locate a few more and indicate your preference explaining why you prefer it. Additionally, describe why you believe EPSS have not been widely used and if they are more likely be become more prevalent in the future. 

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).

Gloria Gery defines it 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." (Gery, 1989).

https://www.msu.edu/~sleightd/epss_copy.html?pagewanted=all

I prefer Gloria definition because it explains in great detail. There is a look of instructional software that covers the elements of this definition, but they can be pricey. I believe the components of EPPS can be related to using technology in the classroom. It can be costly and require training. EPPS has not been widely used in the education and instruction due to one main characteristic is computer based. You have to take in consideration that some student may not have access to technology at home.

3.      Knowledge management is the way we manage information, share that information, and use it. Organizations, such as schools, are full of information/data and we must organize that data in a way that we can make sense of it. We use data to make decisions and good data=good decision making. Identify a real or hypothetical problem in your line of work. How might a blended learning approach, including the use of a knowledge management system, be use to solve the problem? 

A problem in my line of work is to minimize losses for the company. A solution to this problem is to build an access database which can categorize loss type and track them on a monthly basis. This will allow management to see losses that are accruing and find solutions to minimize losses, especially if it’s due to errors made by employee. This will also help with process improvements and allow management to focus on specific training needs.

4.      Describe the types of informal learning you have been exposed to in your adult life. What was the purpose? What was the experience like? Was it engaging? Social? What role did you play? What role did the instructor play? 

Informal learning for me is always spare of the moment. My motto is, never be afraid to ask question. The more questions you ask the more knowledge you gain. Since beginning the Alternative Certification program my sister has help me a lot.   She only been teaching for three year and I believe she is an exemplary teacher.  Through informal learning and observing her classroom, she has shown me the important of classroom management and the importance of having an engaged classroom environment. I am always an active listener when she come home and tells me stories about her class. Lastly as a future educator, I know I will be exposed to informal learning from my students daily.

http://community.flexiblelearning.net.au/ManagingFlexibleDelivery/content/article_6227.htm

Evaluating, Implementing and Managing Instructional

1. Chapter 10 discusses evaluation in instructional design and provides you with two evaluation models, the CIPP and Kirkpatrick models for evaluation. Search for at least two other models used for evaluation and summarize these models. Describe how you would use them to evaluate your instruction.

I choose the Transdisciplinay Evaluation Model and Consumer Oriented Evaluation Model.   The Transdisciplinay Evaluation Model is a model that some researcher can use to evaluate their own research. This model is classified with three disciplines that you can use for evaluation. They are   Field of Evaluation, Filed of Application and Discipline. As a future educator, I feel this model can be related to instruction.  Teachers can use this model to evaluation themselves on lesson taught to the students. The field of application can be represented by the lesson.  The discipline can be represent by the strategies use to convey the lesson to the students. The field of evaluation can measure using an assessment to see if the students mastered the lesson. Consumer Oriented Evaluation is related to customer product. Is there a need for the product and will customer go out and buy. Will you be evaluating the developed of the product are the end result of the product.  As this model relates to instruction, teacher have to continuous evaluate there students there out the year to know the strengths and weakness as a leaner. When teachers allow student to help facilitate their own learning it can make evaluation easier. This will allows teacher to make summative assessment of their students at the end of the year.

2. Think about a technological innovation within your social system that was recently introduced (social system = place of work, home, etc.). Any innovation has what is known as perceived attributes - relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. Describe these attributes of the innovation and which of the attributes assisted and/or hindered adoption of the innovation. For example, was it not compatible with the existing beliefs of the system or was it overly complex to use or understand?

There was a recent change at work. They removed the regular coffee machine with new digital coffee machines.

Relative advantage- cost effective and give employer a variety of choice (coffee, tea, and hot chocolate all dispense from one machine)

Compatibly- you can compare new machines to retailer coffees such as starbucks

Complexity- more thing consuming and reading through different screens then just putting on a pot of coffee.

Trialability- I think it took about a week to get use to the new machines. No communication from manage advising of the change and no instructions on how to use it. Using the machine was like trial and error for about a week.

 Observability-since the machine offer variety of choice –It  just doesn’t cater to coffee drinker, but to tea and hot chocolate drinker as well.

3. Chapter's 12 & 13 focus on project management and how to manage projects when resources are scarce. You have been assigned to develop a series of professional development sessions focusing on technology use in the classroom for teachers. How will you use Situational Leadership to facilitate this project?

I would focus on:

·         Relative advantage- each time you incorporate technology into your lesson make sure there is a relative advantage

·         Assessing what   resources are available and making sure the teacher are using them- We never want to waste money on funding technology because teachers are not using the resources

·         Example of ways to incorporate technology in the classroom

Digital story telling

Interactive PowerPoint’s

Instructional software-Internet

Pod cast for –iPods  products

Blogging

Section 2: Theories and Models of Learning and Instruction

Identify a specific goal and how you would incorporate two learning theories highlighted in Chapter 4 to achieve this goal.
I plan to teach middle school math after I finish the alternative certification program. I chose a specific learning goal dealing with teaching math. I choose this lesson because it allows students to facilitate their own learning. As a future teacher this groups activity will also help identify students that are having problems with area. This will allow me to groups these student and try other visual methods such as hands on manipulative.
Goal: The learning goal is for the students to discover the formula for area of a trapezoid through the manipulation of shapes that create a trapezoid. This activity will be deemed successful should the students to be able to verbalize why the area formula they discovers wok. This learning goal can be incorporate through the Constructivism Learning Theory and Situated Learning Theory. Students are in engage in learning. Constructivist teaching believes that students construct their own understanding by using their own experiences. New learning depends on prior understanding and knowledge. Learning is ale enhanced by social interaction with includes classroom group discussion. Situated Learning Theory is where student learn in a social environment. Providing an environment in which children can discover new concepts and ideas on their own allows for a strong connection and comprehension of the discovery of what is being taught.

Find a reference (other than the book) that describes Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction. Then create a table or chart that compares and contrast those events with the First Principle described in Chapter 7 and describe how you would apply each of the first principle to the goal you developed from the first activity in this reflection.

Please see below links for reference I chose that describes Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction. http://www.slideshare.net/CPappasOnline/robert-gagnes-instruction-design-model-the-nine-events-of-instructions

Learning Activity Students will construct the formula for a Trapezoid

Develop a new goal or using the one you’ve already developed, briefly describe how you might use the whole-task approach, scaffolding, and mathemagenic methods to help students learn a task.

I have chosen a new goal for the whole task approach, scaffolding, and mathemagenic methods to help students perform the task of identify pattern and relationships reviewing the concept of number sequence. Whole task- Students can relate to numbers sequence and patterns by having them identifying the pattern and number sequences of the address on the street they live on. This will allow the students to relate to something they see every day. Scaffolding- Each students will be directed to copy the data they collect on the board. We will have a class discussion where the students identify pattern and number sequence. Students will active prior knowledge of skipping counting and establish the relationship in identify number operation of addition and subtraction to find the missing pattern. Mathemagenic Methods- I will assess the students by having them explain and make inferences verbally about the patterns and relationship. This will allows the students to identify the pattern after establishing the relationship.

You have been hired to design a course for a topic in your area of specialization. Using table 9.2 as a template, what would you incorporate into each subcategory to motive learners.

 Study of the Civil War- Students will understand the cause and effects of the Civil War

Finally, after completing these activities, discuss the benefit of engaging in design research.

 I really like the saying “lifelong learners”, you never stop learning. I feel you have to have a passion for learning.  It’s important to be a lifelong learner for yourself and your students. You have to make learning fun, hands on, and engaging. In order for students to receive a good quality education there has to be teachers who are aware of their individuals needs. Design research cans create this environment for instruction. Teacher helps their students to perform and meet their fullest potential by providing a safe and motivating environment.

Defining The Field

1. I am currently not teaching in the classroom, but I do feel technology should be incorporated in the classroom. At this current time in my life I am working for a mortgage company and going through the Alternative Certification Program. As this class relates to my current work environment, I agree with the books definition of instructional design and technology. Technology is the source of my daily job functions. Throughout the year I have to complete viral training without an instructor. My manger is always thinking of ways were our team can use training material to improve our process daily and minimizes losses. Also, I have monthly evaluations to make sure I am meeting and exceeding production goals. I compile and maintain various spreadsheets for tracking purposes. I would define instructional design and technology as it relates to the work places a, which will help drive performance improvement that will actively engage the learner that includes designs solutions that are businesslike and innovative




2. As it relates to my daily job, I centered the Dick Carey Model on my production/performance driven monthly goals.
 Analyze learn context- During this stage it critical that you understand job duties
 Instructional Analysis- During this stage your abilities and skills are needed to obtain your goals.
 Know performance objectives-During this stage performance can be measure as it relates to your goals
 Develop assessment and conduct elevation-During this stage data is gathered to assist with process and performance improvement

3. Technology is ever changing. There are always major technological innovations that are in the forefront in today’s society. Look at the many additions of the I-Phone for example. As it relates to education, I believe students need visual and hands on learning. I think students retain more information in a visual learning environment. With today’s technology it’s important to engaging students in activities that involve technology. Technology can be expensive so there should be a relative advantage when using technology in the school systems for K-12 education. Online classes are convenient for students to work full-time jobs and still obtain a degree in higher education. Lastly, as a future educator, blogging seem fun and it is definitely something I will try to incorporate in my classroom. It is a great way for students to express what they are learning using technology.