Instructional designers, teachers, and Web designers all should be aware of their ability to construct an enviorment that is condusive to learning.  What is learning and how does it occur?  There are many learning theories that propose to answer that question.  The behavioristic theory of learning is one of the most well known theories.  Although it is not the main proponent of my Web site, I have applied the theory to several aspects of my design.
     Behavioral theorists believe that learning occurs when a new behavioral pattern is repeated until it becomes automatic for the learner to produce a specific outcome.  The new behavioral pattern is determined by the consequences of a specific outcome.  And, it is a proven fact that both people and animals like to be rewarded for their efforts.  Both positive and negative reinforcement will determine the behavioral pattern until the appropriate behavior outcome is learned.  These specific outcomes are measurable and learning can be measured through correct answers.  I plan to use this theory to allow students to practice computer literacy skills such as keyboard practice and submitting their work via E-mail.
    The main element I used in the design of my Web site from the Behavioral theory was the use of behavioral objectives.  Identifying the objectives clearly helps the students to understand what specific outcome is desired.  They in turn realize that mastering the skills necessary to meet the desired result of the objective will earn them some type of positive reinforcement such as a good grade, a personal E-mail message from the instructor, or a "congratulation" graphic, for example.  They also realize that if they do not meet the objective they will receive some type of negative reinforcement like a bad grade.  This type of feedback system is referred to as operant conditioning.  Research throughout the years has shown that operant conditioning leads to a more probable success rate.
     The teaching strategies and procedures that are used to create a learning environment will also have an impact on the success of the student.  It is for this reason that the educational designer must be deligent in devising interesting activities and tasks to motivate the learner.  Reinforcement will also act as a motivational tool.
      We can measure when learning occurs in an online learning course through the use of forms.  Forms allow students to submit answers via electronic means of communication.  The information the student submits is sent to a server.  At the server a CGI script can be in place that will gather and process the data.  The instructor is then able to receive a valid reading on the progress of the student.
     Revision of the educational program is necessary for success.  One of the benefits of using a Web site as the means of delivering information is the ease in which information can be updated and revised.
     This Web based program will allow students to use a high degree of learning activity.  The communication will be electronically based and students will be able to send and retrieve information via E-mail.  They will be exposed to the material they would have learned in the classroom and additionally receive practice on the computer.  This type of activity can lead to life-long learning.
 
 
 

Why I used the Behavioral Theory to structure my Web site is maintained by: Mary Ann Fornataro

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