Behaviorism can essentially be defined as a behavior management
plan that either reinforces or punishes behaviors. The relationship between
behaviorism, instructional strategies and technology tools all interrelate one common factor; the student. In the traditional classroom, students are
conditioned depending on their behaviors demonstrated. For example, in an
elementary classroom, a teacher might have a behavioral contract, a recess
chart or reward chart. Depending on the behaviors demonstrated the student may
either be rewarded or punished accordingly. Dr. Orey described behaviorism and
technology in such a way that may perfect sense. Technology tutorials are used
to present a small amount of information with guiding questions and encouraging
answers that are then deemed right or wrong. Strategies that work in relation to the
learning theory are integration of tutorials and encouraging student
independence. Students can now watch their own independent tutorial and perform
accordingly based off of their provided answer. One downfall is that tutorials
are simply remediation and reducing the idea of focusing on student
understanding. This style of teaching (drill and practice), is not an enriched way of teaching or learning.
I utilize many
behavioristic approaches in the classroom, but I do not integrate technology
within each. Perhaps I could utilize google forms on a more regular basis which
would provide immediate feedback on given topics? I am trying to think about
how to integrate both into a physical education setting, but it is difficult to
wrap my mind around.
If I integrated google forms within units, students meet ISTE 4: Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and
Decision Making. This is because with the use of google forms students are deciding which of the answers is correct per
immediate feedback.They must utilize critical thinking skills depending on the question being asked too. With the implementation of such tool, teachers would then be meeting ISTE 2: Design and developing digital age learning
experiences and assessments. By providing these 21st century learning experiences, the teacher is preparing the student for potential college and career experiences in the technology realm.
I could not imagine integrating the Hour of Code into my classroom. That
would be ridiculous. However, I would integrate Genius Hour into my Health units in
several different fashions. Ideally, students would identify an area in which
they are interested in whether it is a diet, health concern, awareness,
disease, etc. They would create a question in which they would want to answer
and research it with a plan, cure, presentations in mind. These research
concepts would be geared towards each individual and they would have time
during class to work on their piece. Currently, the district I teach in works
off of a modified block schedule. This means we have 3 regular days of 8
periods/day and 2 days of 4 blocks days
(86 minute classes). On block days, students would be given time to work
on their project. The students behaviors would be reinforced through the concept
of check ins and they would not be allowed to move forward with their project
until the previous part is completed (per rubric). Ideally, this would motivate students to work
diligently on their assignment and encourage intrinsic motivation.
The use of technology through a behavioristic approach provides students with a 21st century learning experiences. Students are still rewarded or punished based off their behavior, but simply on a more immediate, technological basis.
International Society for Technology
in Education (ISTE). (2016). Standards for students. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/for-students-2016
International Socitey for Technology in Education (ISTE).
(2008). Standards for teachers. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/standards-for-teachers
Laureate Education
(Producer). (2015j). The changing work
environment [Video file].
Baltimore, MD: Author.
