Potential knowledge management contributions to human performance technology research and practice

This article considers three aspects of the knowledge management (KM) literature that have the potential to enhance human performance technology (HPT) research and practice. First, we believe the recent attempt by economists to describe and quantify intellectual capital can help HPT to better evaluate and defend organizational expenditures/investments for performance improvement initiatives. Second, the emerging KM literature explores the linkages between information, learning and performance, provides a common point of intersection for our fields, and can enhance our analysis and implementation of information (as opposed to training) solutions as well as inform and expand our conceptual and theoretical understanding. Third, we have observed that both KM and HPT practitioners are increasingly concerned with the learning that takes place outside the confines of traditional formal training environments. We briefly review the electronic performance support systems literature from HPT and KM, noting the similarities in epistemology, design, and interventions. Finally, we highlight the KM research agenda and suggest related opportunities for HPT research.     

Learning From Others: The Effects of Agency on Event Memory in Young Children

Little is known about the influence of social context on children's event memory. Across four studies, we examined whether learning that could occur in the absence of a person was more robust when a person was present. Three-year-old children (N = 125) viewed sequential events that either included or excluded an acting agent. In Experiment 1, children who viewed an agent recalled more than children who did not. Experiments 2a and 2b utilized an eye tracker to demonstrate this effect was not due to differences in attention. Experiment 3 used a combined behavioral and event-related potential paradigm to show that condition effects were present in memory-related components. These converging results indicate a particular role for social knowledge in supporting memory for events.     

A Comparative Study of Electronic Performance Support Systems

ABSTRACT Electronic performance support systems (EPSS) deliver relevant support information to users while they are performing tasks. The present study examined the effect of different types of EPSS on user performance, attitudes, system use and time on task. Employees at a manufacturing company were asked to complete a procedural software task and received support from either an intrinsic, extrinsic, external performance support system or no system at all. Results revealed significant differences on performance, attitudes and use between several treatment groups. The study suggests that providing any kind of EPSS to support task performance is better than having none at all. In addition, designers can improve user performance, attitudes and use by creating systems that integrate with the primary work interface.     

Inquiry training and problem solving in elementary school children

An experiment designed to determine whether children can benefit from directed instruction in the strategies of problem solving.     

Understanding least restrictive environment—A key to avoiding parent-school conflict

The concept of least restrictive environment is at the core of federal and state laws governing special education. Unfortunately, the concept is vague and difficult to operationalize. Thus, it is not unusual for parents of educationally handicapped students and school districts to find themselves in conflict over what environment or program is least restrictive for the student. Such conflicts often escalate into acrimonious legal and emotional battles. Understanding the salient characteristics of the least restrictive environment for individual students can preclude or minimize unnecessary conflicts that have little chance of generating creative solutions. This article identifies many of these characteristics and details what administrators can do to assure that placement decisions conform to the requirements of least restrictive environment.