As more affordable synchronous communications are becoming available, the use of synchronous interactions has not been noted in course Web sites as often as asynchronous communications. Previous research indicated that the integration of synchronous tools into course Web sites has made a positive impact on students. While most of the previous…

The purpose of this study was to examine whether a video-induced positive and negative mood has a differential effect on subsequent problem-solving activities in a web-based environment. The study also examined whether task conditions (task demands) moderated the mood effect. As in traditional experimental mood-effect studies, the affective video…

The designing of instruction, when considered as a process, is the determination of instructional requirements of the learner and development of functional learning systems in order to meet these requirements. In fact, as a consequence of studies on the development of effective learning systems some instructional design theories have emerged.…

The leap in wireless LAN standards to 802.11n is a WiFi upgrade so new it has not yet garnered final approval from the standards committee. Although that approval will not come until next year (vendors are currently building to a "pre-n" standard), there are plenty of notebook computers out there capable of running 802.11n. That means students…

Explains that motivated behavior is driven by individuals' perceptions and interpretations of external events rather than the events themselves. Suggests a human performance intervention strategy based on a model of motivation that focuses on situation-specific perceptions of value, challenge, and control. (LRW)

Defines human performance technology (HPT) as systems thinking applied to human resource activities, chronicles the emergence of HPT and the development of the HPT process model, and considers its use to define and implement high-performance work systems in information age organizations. (Author/LRW)

Considers how human performance technology (HPT) can achieve greater recognition in the mainstream business world by developing interventions that are framed in terms of enhancing the overall valuation of the organization's intangible assets. Discusses a consulting model that can be used with clients and stakeholders to identify barriers to…

Suggests that the scope of return on investment (ROI) for organizations includes measurable indicators of both the internal and external value added by the organization rather than just short-term profit and customer satisfaction. Topics include demonstrating progression toward required performance; and justifying problems to be solved in terms of…

Discussion of human performance technology (HPT) emphasizes the key variable, which is the human variable. Highlights include the Ishikawa Diagram; human performance as one variable of process performance; collaborating with other improvement approaches; value propositions; and benefits to stakeholders, including real return on investments. (LRW)

Discusses quality improvement (QI) and how it can help human performance improvement (HPI). Compares QI and HPI and discusses focusing on products and services; focusing on the customer; using data more effectively; continuous improvement; benchmarking; establishing standards; specialization; and involving the clients. (LRW)

Outlines three phases of performance improvement: performance analysis, needs assessment, and support intervention. Provides an example of an application of performance technology through these phases to an electronics company's performance problem. (SK)

Discussion of human performance technology encourages practitioners to base their discussion and practice on sound theoretical constructs, scientifically derived evidence, and well-documented professional precedent. Introduces examples of commonly held beliefs that are not scientifically well-founded. (Contains 57 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the role of human performance technology in improving performance in organizations; explains the criteria used for designing an international training program of instructional and performance technology; and addresses steps necessary to move an organization towards a continuous learning organization. Examines the role of human resource…

Assess three alternative approaches to interdepartmental integration: the interaction view; the collaboration view; and the combination view, which integrates interaction and collaboration. Presents results of a survey of functional managers that show interaction and collaboration positively associated with performance improvement and suggests…

Examines a sample of the frameworks used to model human performance in organizations with respect to change orientation, theoretical basis, organizational results level, unit of analysis, and performance analysis. Contrasts organizational system and performance system frameworks with systematic process models of performance improvement. (Contains…