Assignment 5 Understanding of “Behaviorist Learning Theory”

Assignment 5Understanding of “Behaviorist Learning Theory” and how it relates to technology integration.

B.F. Skinner, who was an American psychologist and believed that his ideas for increasing human learning and his focus on behavior and learning. According to Wikipedia Behaviorism focuses on one particular view of learning: a change in external behavior achieved through using reinforcement and repetition (Rote learning) to shape behavior of learners. Behaviorist Skinner, found that behaviors could be shaped when using reinforcement was implemented. Behaviorism can be understood as two behaviors one is reinforcement and the other is punishment. That desired behavior is rewarded, with reinforcement, while the undesired behavior is not rewarded and is punishment.

According to Skinner, consequences of behavior can be observed if the behavior is repeated or lesson learned.  When a student is rewarded for following instruction in the classroom will most likely follow when positive behavior is recognized by the teacher. A teacher who uses reinforcement and punishment in the classroom, should focus more on a creating a positive environment that engages students to learning and excelling academically. The teacher can provide the students with reinforcements, encouragement, and feedback in the classroom. The emphasis of behavior learning theory, Skinner’s research investigated before and after observations in behavior with evaluations to determine if the instruction resulted in learning. If there was no change in learned behavior after the evaluations then teachers should use the feedback to determine what can be done to improve learning. The evaluations can help to determine what learning style approach to incorporate for the students.

The use of technology is used everywhere in our everyday lives, work and schools. The availability of technology resources are constantly increasing in schools for both teachers and students. Technology integration in the classroom provides students engaging in digital content and using the resources to provide instruction, student learning and engagement. There are several models of technology integration to be used for instruction that support teaching and learning in the classroom. There are two models such as SAMR model and TRACK model. According to the authors Reiser and Dempsey there are two models are for the teacher to use and consider to integrate technology in the classroom instruction. The substitution, augmentation, modification, redefinition (SAMR) model is used for example, the teacher can use this model with different levels when integrating technology into instruction. Each level represents a different approach and effective strategies to implement technology into instruction.  The second is the technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TRACK) that is used for as a framework to the use of technology for improving teaching and learning. TRACK is three overlapping circles to reference knowledge as technological, pedagogical, and content. This model helps teacher to determine what are their current abilities and deficiencies to their technology skills to integrate technology into instruction.

There are other enhancements used today in the classroom with the integration of technology. Some of these enhancements are incorporating inquiry based learning, flipped learning by engaging students with online resources to support instruction, game base learning, and personalized learning.  Personalized learning is used to support learning by using different methods and strategies for the student to engage in learning and succeeding academically.

Resources:

https://www.biography.com/scientist/bf-skinner

https://heartarteducation.com/2017/06/04/behaviorism-learning-theories-and-technology/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rote_learning

Reiser, Robert A. Trends and issues in instructional design and technology/edited by Robert A. Reiser, John V. Dempsey.-4th ed. Chapter 20 pages 176-177.