Behaviorism and Technology

         

            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. 

References:

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.