Using xAPI for Performance Support and “Workflow Learning” Analytics

Using xAPI for Performance Support and “Workflow Learning” Analytics


Most L&D professionals already know that xAPI can be used for generating data and analytics for various types of formal learning, such as instructor-led training, LMS activities, self-paced courses, microlearning, mobile learning, simulations, and assessments.

Did you know that xAPI can also be used for generating data and analytics for performance support?

What is performance support? Performance support is focused on providing tools and resources at the moment of need to help aid in one’s performance and can be delivered using a variety of software applications (e.g., desktop, mobile) and content types (e.g., knowledge base, video, checklist, step-by-step procedure, or a simulation on how to operate or maintain a piece of equipment). Performance support is typically designed as on-the-job support for use in an operational environment while performing tasks in the flow of work, but it can also be used in a training setting.


Veracity developed an xAPI Performance Support Profile as part of the U.S. Navy’s xAPI Library project. In late 2024, the ADL Initiative publicly announced that the Navy’s xAPI Library is available at the persistent URL,https://w3id.org/xapi/navy, which also includes the Performance Support Profile among several other profiles designed for Ready Relevant Learning (RRL). The performance support profile is also listed on the ADL Profile server, but the best way for a developer to implement the performance support profile is by reading the official profile documentation. While the Performance Support Profile includes several optional Navy-specific xAPI extensions, the core parts of the profile can be reused by any organization interested in using xAPI to record task-based performance support interactions and scenarios.

As part of the profile development process, Veracity created a reference implementation and adopted the 5 Moments of Need® framework by Apply Synergies. A screen capture of the reference implementation is provided below. The 5 Moments of Need® framework is a modern, systematic approach to designing performance support and targeted training solutions (e.g., digital coach) that will help employees learn and perform in the flow of work. This modern design approach is also called “workflow learning” and infuses existing operational or maintenance procedures and tasks with related training resources, such as supporting knowledge, relevant courses or modules, tech pubs, and videos…all accessible in one place. Adopting this framework also helped Veracity to focus on specific areas in procedures/processes and tasks where changes could be made to increase efficiency and ultimately, readiness.

performance support mobile app

Granular activities such as video files can also be tracked within performance support content. As part of the real world implementation, Veracity combined the xAPI Performance Support profile with the xAPI Video Profile to provide even more valuable correlations between task performance and video consumption.

The dashboards and analytics that were developed were centered around three simple questions we wanted to answer with the data: 1) Are they using it? 2) Are they completing it? and 3) What procedures and tasks are they having difficulty with the most?

As a result, Veracity developed several graphs and dashboards that visualized efficiency metrics (e.g.., how much, how long) and high velocity feedback dashboards that focused on identifying actionable insights and notifications where users were having the most difficulty in performing tasks in the flow of work. Adoption of the xAPI was critical for providing these actionable insights and providing a starting point to investigate how the feedback data can help inform organization stakeholders. Using the data and analytics, organizations can also identify specific tasks that were not performed within the recommended periodicity or why performers stopped at a specific point and reported feedback. Organizations could also determine whether higher repetition or practice of performing the tasks resulted in less dependency of the performance support solution over time due to it now being committed to muscle memory. A sample performance support dashboard is provided below (scroll down to see the graphs).


Have questions about xAPI and performance support? Please reach out and contact us. A summary list of the resources discussed above are repeated below for quick reference: