Behaviorism in Practice

From my experiences with incorporating new technologies, students often show more interest and I have less behavior problems. Technology can be used to promote desirable student behavior. Technology can be used as a tool for reinforcement.
My current school district focuses on the use of technology as opposed to textbooks. As a business teacher. Due to the quickly changing curriculum for our courses, it was decided to no longer invest money in textbooks that become outdated with a short time period. Students learn to navigate the internet and use decipher information related to the topics that we study. While this method of teaching and learning is unusual to most students, they adjust and like the use of technology.
“The instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances students’ understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning” (Pitler, 2007, 155). Students will be more likely to continue their efforts when they are being noticed for their efforts. Positive reinforcement is essential to student success.
Homework and Practice is easily accessible with the multitude of websites available for students. Tutorials have become quite interactive and students are able to get instant feedback.


Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.