North Bay Multimedia Association - Training and Education SIG

Events - Training and Education SIG Meeting - January 2002

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Just-In-Time Learning via Performance Support Systems

Who: Chet Leighton, Infomark Software Corporation
Cindy McCabe, CGM Communications
When: Wednesday, January 30, 2002
Time: Networking at 6:30 PM; Program from 7-9:00 PM
Where: Autodesk Executive Briefing Room
Cost: Free to NBMA members; $10 for non-members
Contact: Richard Fisher, SIG Leader

Training and continuing education are important to skill development, job performance, and career advancement. But training can be expensive and time consuming. In times of tight money and reduced staff, many organizations are cutting their training budgets to improve their short-term bottom lines. Instead of classroom training and e-learning solutions, some are using electronic performance support systems (EPSS) to improve employee productivity and creativity. EPSS = opportunities for multimedia developers.

EPSS provide people with just enough support, just in time, as work is being done and key decisions are being made. Whether used to provide access to information, coaching, or small chunks of online training (which a past speaker dubbed “learnlets,” a word we like so much we use it at every opportunity), EPSS software makes these resources available as people work. When designed well, EPSS are like having a personal coach ready to give advice whenever you have a new decision to make, or having a trainer at your side to teach exactly what you need to know, just when you need it.

Chet Leighton of Infomark Software Corporation and Cindy McCabe of CGM Communications will show us how a performance support system works. You will learn how multimedia developers can apply their talents to help people perform complex problem-solving tasks, like writing a sales proposal or documenting a software design. You will learn how multimedia, such as short video clips, can have a dramatic impact in online coaching. You’ll also learn how a small development team can produce a working performance support system in a few months, on a shoestring budget.

Chet Leighton is an independent consultant who designs and develops Web-based performance support systems for knowledge workers engaged in complex problem-solving tasks. He has a B.A. in Management and an M.A. in Instructional Technology. For the past four years he has taught the course “Just-In-Time Learning” in the Dept. of Instructional Technology at San Francisco State University. Chet has presented papers and conducted workshops on the topic of EPSS at national conferences like AECT.

Cindy McCabe is an independent consultant specializing in Human Resource issues. With a background as an attorney and management consultant, Cindy has over 15 years of experience consulting with a wide variety of clients, including Fortune 100 corporations, small privately owned businesses and non-profits. Cindy also holds an M.A. in Instructional Technology. She was a key contributor for the research report “Building the Business Case for E-Learning” published by Brandon-Hall.com in 2000.

Join us on January 30. Come at 6:30 PM to meet fellow developers and exchange ideas. The presentation will run from 7-9:00 PM.