Performance Technology: An Introduction

This brief article has as its major purpose to introduce Performance Technology as a relevant field of application for training professionals. It is divided into four major sections. The first section presents Performance Technology as a term and explains what it means for the professional instructional developer or trainer. The second section takes an epistemological approach in an attempt to answer the question "Where does Performance Technology come from? On what sorts of foundations has it been built?" The third section explores the relevance of Performance Technology for persons in training and human resources development. The final substantive part cites several myths and misconceptions about the field that have gained currency in various training circles that have either never encountered applications of performance technology or which have had dealings with poor representatives of the field. The article concludes with an invitation to those responsible for training to further explore this emerging technology aimed at improving human performance.