Behaviorist Learning Theory, Instructional Strategies, and Technology Tools

In order to have superb classroom management, there needs to be a strong interrelationship between behaviorism, instructional strategies and technology tools. There used to be a time when growing up, using the computer in school was a privilege, and only accessible when all work was completed. However, in the 21st century, almost every child has instant access to a computer. In my district personally, every child in grades 3 through 5 has their own personal device given to them. This now means that the teacher has to be creative in their teaching and with incorporating tech resources. "Part of the challenge with technology, is that we see a new tool and say, Let’s put it in classrooms. Tech becomes an add-on, as opposed to integral to the subject.” (Moorhead, 2014). To successfully integrate technology, the teacher must be willing to explore their options. Saying that you are using technology does not mean allowing the students to play a game or even displaying notes on the Smart Board. Using technology means providing students access to tools that will help them define their learning and engagement. Most teachers, unfortunately, have become accustomed to using technology to just help low learners catch up on content. Technology is most effective when remediation activities are minimally incorporated (Laureate Education, 2015a). Even students who are excelling in a topic need to use technology to be engaged and even challenged. To incorporate behaviorism with tech tools, condition the students to complete work with directions and reward them with tech time filled with engaging resources that also, not only, reinforce what has been taught.

Currently, I use game called Prodigy as a behavior based strategy. This game is a wizard battle competition where you defeat someone by answering math questions correctly. The program is teacher directed so I can pick what types of question for the students and progress monitor their work. In order for my students to get on this game, everyone must have completed their work in entirety and passed the quiz at the end of a lesson. The students know that if they did not pass, they cannot play the game. A behaviorist based instructional strategy I use is homework. I know that many students do not like the idea of homework and their parents at home do not help them. In spite of this, I assign homework as a means to reinforce what I have taught and have expectations for it being done before they get to school. If a child does not do homework, they do not get to enjoy recess for that day. In some cases, if the student did not complete homework, they might not be able to use their laptop for the day, especially if their homework was supposed to be done via their devices. A technology tool that I would like to use in the future is keyboarding software. Majority of students struggle with typing, using one finger at a time. When they see me typing fast and without looking at the keyboard, my students are amazed every time. So to help them develop this skill, I want to include a time where they can practice this skill. Just like playing the piano, to become proficient at keyboarding takes daily practice. (Davis School District Curriculum and Instruction, 2016). It is not possible to get them to my level of proficiency with typing quickly or even in one school year. It is going to take time and dedicated practice. Having this as a tool coincides with ISTE Standard #1d for students which states students understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose, use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging technologies (ISTE, 2016) and ISTE Standard #2 for Teachers "Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments" (ISTE, 2008). The students are learning a fundamental concept to be successful in the 21st century and the teacher is creating an environment in which that skill can flourished.

Shapiro & Koren stated in their article that the use of new standards is a form behaviorism that controls the way students are taught (Shapiro & Koren, 2012). In a sense, this is true because the standards are there for teachers to use to teach for a test. Teachers have little to no room to be creative not only because they don't have the time, but also because there is so much information to pack into one school year. This may cause an issue when trying to incorporate Hour of Code in the classroom. However, to defend the concept, I can attest to the fact that having Hour of Code increases student engagement and motivation. It also increases better student behavior. Having that hour as a perk will make students willing to do work more efficiently and less likely to get off task. Since behaviorism is a learning theory that is based on the idea that behavior can be controlled or modified based on the antecedents and consequences of a behavior (BlueSofaMedia, 2012), to complete the Hour of Code, prerequisites need to be in tact before a student can engage in HoC. For example, homework needs to be completed and classwork need to be done in its entirety before the start of the task. The time being spent doing Hour of Code is not a complete lost to the curriculum. Students engaging in HoC are learning critical thinking skills and that is important in all standards. It also comes with tutorials which will guide students on completing the work. Using this type of programmed instruction (Laureate Education, 2015a) is a strategy that many are using that give detailed instructions and students can easily understand the directions. I definitely plan to use Hour of Code in the near future because it helps with more than just learning how to code, but also developing thinking skills in a way that students and teachers do not realize is helping their overall college and career readiness.

 
References

BlueSofaMedia. (2012). Using a Learning Theory: Behaviorism. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYDYzR-ZWRQ

Davis School District Curriculum and Instruction. (2016). Keyboarding practice materials. Retrieved from http://www.davis.k12.ut.us/page/432

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2016). Standards for students. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/for-students-2016

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2008). Standards for students. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/standards-for-teachers

Laureate Education (Producer). (2015a). Behaviorist learning theory [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Moorhead, L. (2014, September 3). There’s no app for good teaching. Retrieved from http://ideas.ted.com/theres-no-app-for-good-teaching/

Shapiro, A., & Koren, A. (2012). Are Educators Lemmings? Now, It's Standards, Another Behaviorist Hoax. JEP: Ejournal Of Education Policy, 1-5.