Electronic Performance Support Systems

The Encyclopedia of Educational Technology defines EPSS ase an extension and further development of the workplace job aid. As described by Rossett & Gautier-Downes (1991), job aids support work and activity, are external to the individual and have three discrete functions, which are:

1. providing information,
2. supporting procedures, and
3. guiding decision making.

When these three functions of job aids interconnect within an integrated technology-based system, a “highly sophisticated technological job aid” called an electronic performance support system results (Van Tiem, Moseley, & Dessinger, 2004, p. 71). Characteristic advantages of an EPSS over a traditional non-technology based job aid include:

* user ability to quickly access large quantities of information,
* support for multiple users anywhere at any time the delivery technology is available, and
* user ability to receive interactive coaching and guidance.