Learning scenario
The military trained new sailors “Basic Electronics and Electricity” in a system of printed modules, as a precursor of Computer Aided Instruction (CAI), during the 1980s. Students finished the course by satisfactorily passing each module–not moving forward until passing a previous module until finished under the guidance of a proctor.
In this fashion, students trained for the skills to perform “Basic Electronics and Electricity” as part of the bigger goal to achieve a “rating” – a designation of a vocational job aboard a military ship.
Definition
Behaviorism, as it relates to eLearning, focuses on guiding learners to reach pre-established learning outcomes through an extrinsically administered system of rewards and punishment for demonstrating the desired behavior. Learning is considered to take place when expected outcomes meet the learning objectives of the course. Therefore, a successful behavioristic-oriented eLearning platform must provide learners opportunities that allow demonstration of these behaviors in a measurable and observable format.
Observable and Measurable Behaviors
Each module and exercise were observed and graded by a proctor who provided praise for the fastest finishers. The sailors felt competitive in the presence of other trainees and the higher ranking proctors, and in the process, a sense of camaraderie prevailed among everyone to get the job done. Servicemen were measured through correct answers on quizzes, successful completion of exercises, and speed.
Operant conditioning
Rewards: The fastest finishers were given public praise and time to themselves before the next military assignment. The praise earned these fast “learners” social prestige. They were given other secondary jobs that reinforced their prestige among their peers like barracks leader or company commander assistant.
Punishment: The slow movers, in contrast, were given less personal time and received no praise. Oftentimes, these souls were given the most undesirable assignments like cleaning the bathrooms. The loss of a rating (the job skill being sought) was also on the line for those who were not able to complete modules, which meant a less desirable role on a ship or duty site. This, of course, was the bigger punishment.
Pros of Behaviorism
Developing instruction this way has much in common with computer aided instruction (CAI), which can provide service members with immediate feedback; it promoted active participation from weaker students who were obliged to participate actively, and most importantly, this method provided the military with observable behaviors, so it was easier to quantify and collect data and information on the students. (Sen)
Cons of Behaviorism
The use of modules to teach electronics and electricity was a one-dimensional approach to understanding human behavior. Behavioral theories do not account for free will and internal influences such as moods, thoughts and feelings. Perhaps, behaviorism in this context was “superficial” or shallow, as it only considered what was observable and measurable. There was no accounting for unseen aspects of an individual that are very vital in his or her personalities and learning capabilities.
Behaviorism does not account for other types of learning, especially learning that occurs without the use of reinforcement and punishment. As can be inferred from the theory presented, much of the human behavior and learning abilities were attributed to the effects of external factors that serve as reinforcers or punishers. (Kendra)
Reference:
Kendra, Cherry. Learning Study Guide: Behaviorism. Retrieved June 11, 2018 from http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologystudyguides/a/learning_sg.htm
Keramida, Marisa. Behaviorism in Instructional Design For eLearning: When and how to use. Retrieved June 12, 2018 from https://elearningindustry.com/behaviorism-in-instructional-design-for-elearning-when-and-how-to-use
Sen, Varsha. What are the Advantages of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI)? Retrieved June 11, 2018 from http://www.preservearticles.com/2011122018619/what-are-the-advantages-of-computer-assisted-instruction-cai.html