Behaviorism and Technology

Jessica Bloom & Victoria Devincenzi

Behaviorism: The Theory•Dominant learning theory

throughout 1950’s and 1960‘s: adaptability to environmental stimuli

•Observable, objective, and measurable

•Learning as a permanent change in behavior

Behaviorism: Conditioned Reflex

•Ivan Petrovich Pavlov: “Dog Salivation Experiment"

Behaviorism: Operant

Conditioning•B.F. Skinner’s “The Skinner Box”

Behaviorism: Why it Works

•Clearly stated objectives

•Learners’ response: predictable

•Cued response effective in stressful situations

Behaviorism: Drawbacks

•One dimensional

•Disregards other learning styles

Behaviorism: In the Classroom

•Drill and practice

•Flashcards

•Rewards and punishments

•Prompt feedback

Behaviorism and Technology

•Instant feedback, review and/or quiz

Evaluating Behaviorism and

Technology•Based on predetermined criteria

•All learners evaluated based on same criteria

Behaviorism and Technology: When it Does Not Work

•Bodily/Kinesthetic

•Product is 3 Dimensional

•Learning fine motor skills

Now, we ask you...

What are some ways you have

used behaviorism within your classroom?

How can you include technology

into these practices to supplement

learning?