Portable Technologies in the Classroom

This week’s course media by Dr. Orey and Smith (1999) discussed B. F. Skinner’s view of the behaviorist learning theory where operant conditioning means either reinforcing good behavior or punishing bad behavior. Moreover, the reinforcement aspect is most desirable.  Therefore, the basis of my definition of the behaviorist learning theory will involve the art of reinforcement. Dr. Orey offered how Skinner proposed programmed instruction in a behaviorist learning environment. An example would be the online tutorials that are currently appropriate and effective in helping students master the no child left behind requirements. Well, these drill and practice, remediation, and traditional tutorial programs do have a place in today’s classroom but they’re hindering student progress because they mainly focus on remediation and do not take advantage of other enrichment type activities that educational technology has to offer.

My learning theory supports technology playing an important role in teaching 21^st century skills. For example, as explained in Miners and Pascopella, learning new literacies involves mastering how to use the internet. Once the students know how to effectively use the internet, they can further enhance their critical evaluation skills by working in groups and collaborating. Also, using the technique, self-inquiry (asking oneself questions about a topic) will assist in teaching these skills. Another technique is deictic learning. This technique will assist because it will teach students to deal with technologies that change on a regular basis. For instance, “an example of the deictic nature of the technologies is Web 3.0, a term being used now to describe the evolution of and a possible future form of the Internet, characterized by even more interactivity, enhanced search engines, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and maybe even 3D graphics” (p. 5).

 

Overall, I believe there is still a place for behaviorist learning in today’s classroom and instructional technology. I would support using online tutorials on a limited basis because it can help students learn. I would also encourage the behaviorist type learning theory to be used to manage behavior in the classroom. For example, Dr. Orey offered how the clip strategy is successful in maintaining discipline. However, at the end of the day, I would support using constructivist strategies that include using 21^st century skills and mastering the use of the Internet.