Workers need to be able to perform in a variety of settings with a number of tools. To support effective performance, information and procedures should be available when they're needed within the natural work environment. In some ways, the performance-support movement constitutes a radical departure from traditional instructional design. In other ways, though, the two paradigms share assumptions. Key features of this second paradigm are briefly outlined below.
Solutions are still pre-packaged and outside are still in control .
Just like designed instruction, EPSS systems are designed by outsiders and provided to end users in pre-packaged forms. Help systems, job aids, and EPSS systems all bear the stamp of traditional packaged solutions. Workers rely on the outside experts to diagnose the problem, determine the need, and develop and package the right solution. Learning moves back into the work context . Whereas instruction separates learning from performing, EPSS brings learning back to the daily work setting.