Human Performance Technology

1.) I am going to use Gilbert's Behavior Engineering model for my non instructional solution to solve the performance problem at my school. The performance problem that I have chosen to solve is the lack of organization in the Physical Education department to help provide a productive physical education environment for the students.

2.) The following definitions for Electronic Performance Support Systems are:

* An Electronic Performance Support System is a computer based system that improves worker productivity by providing on-the-job access to integrated information, advice, and learning experiences. According to Barry Raybould

* An Electronic Performance Support System is any computer software program or component that improves user performance. According to Wikipedia

* An Electronic Performance Support System is one method of supplying online support to people who use computer systems. According to Techscribe

I really like the first definition. This definition, in my opinion, states what an Electronic Performance Support System is and what it does. I feel that this definition is short, to the point, and discusses all of the aspects.I believe that EPSS has not been widely used because of the cost of the systems. Although all companies/schools would love to increase the productivity that is happening in the building, the funding may not exist. Also, as the book states EPSS is not widely known or the potential in what it holds for the future. Once people are educated on EPSS, I feel that there will be more of a focus and search for funding will occur.

3.) A problem that might occur would be students trying to take Physical Education classes online due to home bound or summer classes being offered solely online to get ahead. The students could use heart rate monitors, and they would have access to an online textbook for guidance. The heart rate monitors would be worn while participating in a certain activity, then they would be plugged into a computer and upload all of the information that was taken. Any assignments would be uploaded to a dropbox for completion, just like we do in our online courses. In this situation, the professor/teacher is acting as more of an instructional guide instead of a "lecturer." The idea of independent student work is becoming more and more familiar and popular. The students could work at their own pace and achieve more in a short amount of time. Many parents and teachers do not think of participating in a Physical Education class online. However, the teachers would need to be trained so that the students are held accountable for completing the same activities as well as making sure they are really completing the activities. The teachers would then collaborate with other teachers that are also teaching online P.E. classes to discuss how their programs are successful and discuss their strategies in holding the students accountable.

4.) A good example of informal learning that I participated in was during a Physical Education staff development meeting. We were learning about rollerblading and how we could incorporate a rollerblading unit into our classes. We had a guest speaker that brought in rollerblades and pads for us to use. She taught us how to skate while giving us ideas on how to teach our students by using the same methods that we learned by. Not only was this a very engaging activity because we had to be aware of our surroundings, pay close attention, and then apply the information that was being taught, but it was a fun experience as well. We, the P.E. teachers, played the tole of the students because we were being taught how to rollerblade. The instructor played the part of the teacher, and also gave us DVD's on how to execute a successful and fun rollerblading unit for our students. We were also given the opportunity to sign up and have this instructor come to our school, along with all of the equipment, and help us with this unit.

Evaluating, Implementing, and Managing Instructional Programs and Projects

1. The two models that I have chosen to reflect on are the Objectives-Based Evaluation and Goals-Free Evaluation.
             a.) The Objectives-Based Evaluation (also known as the Objectives-Oriented or Objectives-Referenced Evaluation) is an evaluation method to focuses on the specification of objectives and measurement of outcomes. This evaluation method keys in on generating information for accountability and decision making by developing and measuring the appropriate objectives for these purposes. I would use this evaluation method in my instruction by determining specific goals for my students in Physical Education. For example, when the students are practicing sit ups, the first time attempted would set their and each time they did the sit up test, they would try to improve this number by 5. Each time the student attempted this sit up test their goal would slightly increase until they cap.
             b.) The Goals-Free Evaluation observes and measures actual processes and outcomes. The evaluator does not know the purpose of the program. If the program is doing what it is supposed to be doing, then these achievements should show up. I would use this kind of instruction during a specific sport. After teaching the student's the skills of the sport and playing a few games, the progress of their improvement would be seen while playing in a tournament after several classes. Although there are not specific goals, the improvement of the student's skills would be noticed.

2. One of the technological innovations that I have been hearing about in Physical Education classes across America is Dance Dance Revolution. Due to the abnormal increase in childhood obesity, Dance Dance Revolution is a fun game that all students can play while getting a good fitness without realizing it. This generation is so used to playing video/computer games indoors. This is a fun and different way for students to get involved in Physical Education class while burning a few calories. I have attached a video below that shows a gym class playing Dance Dance Revolution.

3. If I were in charge of developing a series of professional development sessions focusing on technology use in the classroom for teachers, I would use situational leadership to facilitate this project by:
         1.) Use directive, detailed supervisory without being overbearing or appearing to be demanding. Basically, I would let them know who is in charge without being too over the top. The teachers that I would be training would be treated with respect, but I would be very direct and up front as to what my expectations would be in this professional development session that is focusing on technology. They would be given a very detailed agenda and information on what they will be learning and discussing in these sessions.
         2.) I will move from a more directive role to one where I explain and clarify decisions and reward improvements in direction and knowledge. For example, if I am teaching Physical Education teachers about new technology that could be incorporated into the P.E. curriculum, I would give examples of this new technology. I would get the teachers more involved in the discussion and allow them to come up with positives and negatives on these new technologies. They would be in charge of doing some research on these new technologies to clarify their reasoning behind the positives/negatives that they chose.
        3.) My leadership role would change to focus on results and make sure that the teachers are rewarded for effort and production. I would provide rewards for the teachers participation and work while researching these new technologies. I would bring in these new technologies and allow them to test them out for their reward. This would not only give these P.E. teachers an opportunity to take a break from their research, but they would get a chance to see first hand what these games/technology are like. They would get to try them out first hand, and then go back to their positives/negatives that they listed and make the necessary adjustments.
        4.) I would become more of a monitor than an instructor. The teachers would discuss together what technologies they liked the most and how they would incorporate them into their curriculum. They would discuss/create their own curriculum lessons involving these new technologies and present them at their schools. After completing these new lessons in their own classes, they would provide feedback on how they thought the lessons went and get the student's to provide feedback as well in order to make the curriculum better.

Theories and Models of Learning and Instruction

1.) My specific learning goal would be: By the end of the basketball season, all of my basketball players will be shooting 70% from the free throw line. I would incorporate the Behavioral Learning Theory by creating goal charts for each player. They will have a weekly goal to get a certain percentage of free throws each game/practice. If they achieve their weekly goal, then they are rewarded. These players would work on their free throws daily in practice to improve their shooting percentages and reach their goal at the end of the season. The Cognitive Theory would be used when breaking down the shot of a free throw to show the basketball players. I would make them shoot with one hand (their dominate shooting hand) to work on their form, then they would add their other hand to show that it is simply there for balance and not shooting purposes. The basketball players would then practice this method of shooting until they have the correct shooting form down. Then they would move to the free throw line and practice this shot. They would demonstrate their understanding of how to shoot a basketball with the correct form while accomplishing working towards their goal of shooting 70% from the free throw line.

2.) The reference that describes Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction can be found at http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Nine_events_of_instruction. I have created the chart below to show how the instructional events that I described above connect with Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction.

 3.) The whole task approach relates to meaning learning tasks that are based on a real-life task. In Physical Education, the students have a hard time understanding the importance of daily physical fitness and healthy nutrition. If I got the students to keep a daily log of their meals that they consume and all of the activities that they do or do not participate in, then I could show them the amount of caloric intake compared to burned. They could relate this to either why they are gaining or losing weight.


Scaffolding helps learners to coordinate integrated objectives. I would help build their knowledge of simple fitness activities that they could engage in daily. Also, we would go over the food pyramid, and what the appropriate caloric intake is per day. The students would be able to identify healthy foods and plan out their own meals to be reviewed and discussed.


Mathemagenic methods should help students to mindfully abstract away from their concrete experiences and allow for transfer performances that go beyond a limited list of objectives. The students would calculate the amount of caloric intake vs calories burned to see if they are achieving their goals in order to lost, maintain, or gain weight. They would also engage in creating and participating in group fitness activities that they plan as a class.


4.) The design course that I will be using as an example is healthy nutrition and fitness.

5.) Design research is a continual must. In order to teach another person and be successful, the teacher must constantly be researching information in order to educate the learners with the newest and most up to date information. The teacher should also be well informed so they not only know what they are talking about, but can pass valid information onto the learners for them to use and apply in real life situations.

Defining the Field

1. The early definitions provided by Reiser and Dempsey state that the field of instructional technology focused on instructional media. The movement known as the Visual Instruction movement took place through the 1920's which increased the visual materials (films, pictures, lantern slides.) In the 1920's-1940's, the focus shifted from visual instruction to audiovisual instruction. As the 1960's and 1970's rolled around the new definition viewed instructional technology as a process. Educational technology could be though of as the application of science to instructional practices. By 1994, cognitive and constructivist learning theories began to have a major influence on design practices. The profession was greatly influenced by technological advances such as the microcomputer, interactive video, CD-ROM, and the Internet. A new definition of the field was published and states, "Instructional Technology is the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning." This new definition described the field in five domains: design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation. The most recent definition, which was published in 2006 states, "Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating, learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources." Today, educational technology has taken a whole new toll in the classroom. The new technology that is being incorporated into the classroom is changing the way that students learn and expanding this process as well. Teachers should take full advantage of the technology that is provided for them to use and help teach students in new ways.

2. Teachers tend to stick to their old ways and not branch out and try new ideas. I am all about trying out new ideas to find ways to help the learners. My instructional design model starts off by 1.) Identifying Goals. This should be the key and most important task at hand because the students have to set goals so they can have something to work towards. 2.) Write clear objectives: Teachers need to state the objectives very clearly so that the students know what their goal is for that day to learn. 3.) Develop instructional strategy: By viewing the students' goals, the teacher needs to understand his/her students and know how they learn best. The teacher will base their instructional strategies and how they teach based off of this knowledge. 4.) Develop and Select Instructional Materials: How will the teacher teach? What materials will they be using? After the teacher knows the strategy, it is time to figure out how and what they will use in order to get the material across to the students. 5.) Conduct Summative Assessments: After the material has been taught, the teacher needs to assess the students one last time over the material to see if his/her teaching methods worked. 6.) Revise Instruction if Needed: If the results of the summative assessment were not successful, then the method of instruction needs to be revised in order to become more successful. Throughout this whole cycle, the teacher needs to be conducting formative assessments to make sure that his/her teaching methods are working and the students are learning the material. As the results come in, then the teacher can make adjustments as needed.

3.  Technology is being used in all classrooms throughout the world in many different ways. I believe that as technology evolves. teachers will be required to used technology in their lessons and classrooms on a daily basis. Many school districts are providing some of this new technology, and teachers need to be trained and take full advantage of what is offered to them. At my school, various technology is used from a simple power point to whiteboards that are projected onto a screen. Many of the new technology that is being integrated into the classrooms are teaching and preparing students for what the future has to offer. Discussion boards and distance learning opportunities are a couple to name. I believe that teachers will soon be taking advantage of podcasts to communicate better with not only parents, but the students as well. Full lectures could be recorded and uploaded to keep students up to speed if they are absent. This could also benefit those students that are homebound. Blogs, such as the ones used in this class, are a great way to start up a class discussion. I know many students are not quick to raise their hands and state their opinions in class, but they would participate more via a blog or discussion board of some kind. I am a firm believe that technology is going to change how teachers teach in their classrooms. I also believe that this new technology will help benefit the various learning styles that face us today.