Behaviorist Theories' Role in Tech Integration

Today's schools are still practicing the ways of the behaviorist theories. In my classroom students are almost continuously receiving feedback of one form or another. The feedback I am giving my students changes or reinforces their thoughts, actions, and understandings. It is easy to recognize that I utilize operant conditioning in my classroom management, but after assessing the uses of technology with my second graders I realize that behaviorist methods are evident in many areas of my instruction.

A basic understanding of the behaviorist theory is that through conditioning a specific goal is reached. This concept is evident in so many learning activities that take place in my program. I may be going out on a limb, but I would venture to say that the whole concept of earning / assigning grades can be looked at as a product of the behaviorist theory. After all, the grade a student receives is a form of feedback that can serve as a means of motivation to improve, or maintain a level of performance.

In my class technology use takes on many forms. For most students the technology we use serves as a bridge between the mundane work of learning and an enjoyable experience. For some students, being in school can be a drag. At times there were classes and teachers that even I did not care to be around. Technology has become a familiar avenue for some challenging students that helps them cope with being a part of a learning environment that they once could care less about. Much of the technology being used has reinforcement built into it.

Recently I have been doing phonics practices with my students. More specifically, we have been working on our short vowel sounds. In years past I have simply written words on my white board and had my students sound out the words with me. I now am attempting to make great use of an interactive whiteboard that was installed in my room. Instead of me showing words on a whiteboard and expecting that to drive home the teaching points, I now have my students come up to the board and build words by snapping the electronic phonics cards in place. The satisfaction and sense of accomplishment my students feel when they were a part of the learning / teaching can not be reproduced by my previously used methods of teaching. The technology incorporates the students in an active learning format and provides them positive experiences and feelings of success.

Is the behaviorist theory on its way out? I would have to say no. In my mind, the behaviorist theory has only taken on a new look and adapted with the changing times. Technology has played a large role in these changes, and the behaviorist theory has conformed to these changes, resulting in positive results.