Electronic performance support should “decrease task complexity and execution times to improve performance while minimizing sensory, cognitive, and physical demands on the soldier”

collaborative, distributed problem solving aids, and tools for terrain and automated pattern analysis

Before identifying the training and performance support needs, there must be a general understanding of what each term means. The problem is that there is much confusion and disagreement over what the terms “training” and “performance support” mean and how they are different.

Training provides the user with required knowledge along with practice and feedback in applying that knowledge in order to reach task proficiency. Training is used to support initial acquisition of skill performance as well as for sustaining or refreshing such performance.

training can be accomplished through various methods (e.g., simulation, computer-based, classroom instruction), the method of primary interest here is embedded training

Performance support, on the other hand, presents the appropriate information, at the appropriate time (i.e., during task performance) and level of specificity, using techniques appropriate to the user’s ability and needs

refined the definition of embedded training as follows: training provided by capabilities built into or added onto operational systems to provide, enhance, and maintain the skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary to enable task performance.

The training may not necessarily be fully embedded in each FCS platform. In fact, it most likely will not be. Instead, it will reside on operational networks and each platform will have the capability to access and download information and software as needed. Training will thus be embedded fully in the network; it is not umbilical to the network since network connections (wired or wireless) are an inherent part of the system of systems.

For the user, differentiation of the location of software and information is not important, since it will be transparent. However, from a systems design perspective, the systems will operate much more efficiently and effectively, since everything will be available from a central location or hub.

although embedded training is considered effective and acceptable by users, few valid and reliable data exist on its cost and effectiveness.

some students may not take full advantage of exploratory opportunities, no matter what the method of training. While these students cannot be forced to make use of the available opportunities, future research needs to determine how best to persuade students that these opportunities are to their advantage.

Electronic Performance Support Systems Review The term EPSS was first coined by Gloria Gery. She defined it as a computer-based system that includes access to information, guidance, advice, assistance, training, and tools to enable performance with minimum support from other people (Gery, 1991)

job aids and performance support tools are not designed to help people learn

Self-instruction might be made more effective if learners can be persuaded to spend more time on learning tasks

this might be done is by embedding job aids or performance support tools in the instruction

monitoring and regulating devices were embedded

merely including hypertext links in a hypermedia self-instructional course did not by itself increase the time learners spent on the instruction

support tools enabled learners with field-dependent and field-independent learning styles to achieve equally well

Performance support tools that provide relevant information may help learners with internal locus of control learn the content better

embedded in the target course

likely to influence student satisfaction

performance support tools

additional and summative supporting material provides variability, which maintains the learner's interest

supporting material both summarizes information the learner is already familiar with

injects additional material that is relevant to the content of the course

connecting the material to the learner's experience in the course

Spending more time on task in a hypermedia program because of manadatory note-taking resulted in significantly higher achievement scores than those who were not required to spend time taking notes

embedding performance support tools in instruction that can later be used on the job is supported by the M.A.S.S. model of transfer