Technology and Behavioral Learning Theory-A Match Made From Heaven

Technology provides a natural environment for reinforcing activities, personal recognition and practicing of skills.  It can also provide deep, creative and critical thinking skills that goes beyond the behaviorist learning theory.  However, just like a strong foundation is laid for a building, a behaviorist learning approach provides support and strength to student learning and growth.  Technology in essence becomes the instrument or tool to provide reinforcement of academic skills for the student.  

Pitler, Hubbell and Kuhn (2012) highlight the importance of reinforcing effort and how educators have the opportunity to teach students the importance of effort and using effort productively.  They go on to share that many students don’t realize the importance of their effort.  In order for students to understand the relationship between effort and success, they used data to help students change their personal belief about achievement.  As the data was shared with the students they realized that their achievement was not based on their heredity, gender or race but how much effort was put forth in their work.  The data used was a simple spreadsheet and using technology, students saw firsthand visually how their personal effort impacted their success.

 I believe that once students have a true understanding that effort and perseverance prevails in academia that they will not let outside factors dictate their motivation to learn. Reinforcement and practice is what every top athlete, musician and every successful person integrates into their daily lives which is the essence of the behaviorist approach.  Combine this approach with technology using data enhances understanding and visualization of needed skills of improvement. Students have the opportunity today to receive special recognition online, use surveys to tabulate essential data and showcase their achievements for generations to view.  

In addition to understanding student growth, technology provides effective means to assign homework and practice for students.  One of the key factors is personalized study for the student and immediate feedback.   Pitler et al (2012) states “Technology facilitated homework and practice by providing a wealth of resources for learning outside of the classroom, making it easy for students to work on collaborative homework assignments and providing ‘drill and practice’ resources that help students refine their skills” ( p.169).  Technology instructional strategies provide continual learning beyond classroom walls and greater access to information, the ability for global collaboration and communication. 

In conclusion, the behaviorist learning approach compliments the integration of technology for student learning and growth.  Reinforcement and practice through the use of technology provides an avenue to make what could be boring and monotonous interesting and engaging.  

                                                             Reference

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.