Not all problems in learning and/or
performance require an instructional solution. Many times a non-instructional
approach is a more appropriate solution. This week's reading and reflection
focuses on human performance, performance support systems, knowledge management
systems, and the concept of informal learning.
Chapter 14 discusses the concept and
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 identify non-instructional
solutions that may help solve the problem. A problem performance that was
in a former workplace was initiative from the employees from burnout. The software
was outdated and the manpower was not sufficient to support the clientele. A
non-instructional solution used to improve the moral was the implementation of
same time messaging, a notepad to introduce solutions to problems that they see
affecting their jobs, and a weekly appreciation slot to get free time away from
answering phone calls for their dedicated work ethic.
Chapter 15 presents performance
support systems. Define performance support systems and explain how a
performance support system might (or might not) help solve the problem you
identified above. The definition given for performance support from the text
states that performance support was a continuum that included constructs
ranging from those embedded in the work itself, such as menus, dialogs, and on-screen
instructions, to those that are separate from the work, including tutorials,
computer-based training, peer support and help desks. In many words it means
any program or software used to improve the user performance. A problem in the
workforce that I have endured is the change from the overhead projector to the
smart boards. The student interaction, intensity, and access to information was
easier to maintain than the older sheets that used markers to write on and the
heat from the light bulbs used in the older method.
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 to help facilitate problem solving? Personally,
I wouldn’t say knowledge was the problem of the overhead it was the available
technology during that time period. The knowledge was the researching and
analyzing the efficiency of the smart board in the district that made the most
difference. In e-learning the simulations used would help to accumulate the
information for the audience. Information accessed would be easily available to
update, current, easy to navigate, and would help with the different learning
styles that were present in the classrooms.
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 see informal learning as learning endured
through youth organizations and life experiences. My
first memory of informal learning is the process of farming and producing milk
as a child. This has been shared with my children also when we visit the rural
areas that my father’s family resides in. The process of harvesting crops has
been improved with better machines and types of seeds that make time cut almost
in half from the times when we participated. All children and adults should
have the experience of learning how to grow their own food so that they can
appreciate the hard work and dedication goes into making sure healthy food
comes to their homes.
When I was brainstorming ideas for performance problems at work I had a list of about 5 different problems that I came up. I also choose to discuss a performance problem due to teacher morale. Whether it be low motivation, dissatisfaction, or plan exhaustion. I do think that is important to be aware of employee morale in an organization because if the employee is not working to their full potential the entire organization will be affected.
ReplyDeleteI remember my first years teaching when I used an overhead projector, I don't think I can ever go back! But I do check one out every year from the library just in case something happens to my enfocus. I have a trusty envelope on hand of old art images on transparencies.
Thank goodness for knowledge from the districts to invest in new technologies. It's amazing to see how far it has come, but sometimes I feel that our district still lacks on providing the performance support whether it is an electronic system that provides training or an individual.
Like you I believe that everybody should have informal learning experiences, it is essential to learning and life.
Great post! Learning is essential to growth and development- personally and professionally. Technology has helped us to develop advanced and interactive lessons to better serve the needs of our students. I am thankful thank our program director is open to investing in new technologies. I could not imagine what life would be like without my phone reminding me to complete a task or being able to instantly Google something. Here is a link that I found that actually believes opposite: http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2013/05/multitasking_while_studying_divided_attention_and_technological_gadgets.html?fb_ref=sm_fb_share_toolbar
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity to read your blog the person's blog I was supposed to read I'm assuming is no longer in the course. Very interesting thoughts. I too remember my first experience with informal learning. Informal learning is one of the best ways to gain knowledge. I'm glad I came along the first year we received whiteboards. I didn't have to worry about using the overhead projector. However, last year my promethean broke down and I did have to use it for 2 days and it was a struggle. I've been so used to the promethean when something goes wrong with it I don't know how to operate. The whiteboards are a lot better and allow for student interaction.
ReplyDelete