| Operant conditioning has been used in developing programmed learning. According to B. F. Skinner (1958), the purpose of programmed learning is to manage human learning under controlled conditions. Typically, a textbook or computer presents the material to be learned in a series of very small steps, called frames. Each frame contains some information and a statement with a blank that the student fills in. The student then uncovers the correct answer (by moving a paper down the page) before going on to the next frame. Each frame introduces a new idea or reviews material covered earlier. The agreement between the uncovered answer and the student's own response reinforces correct responses, making it likely that they will occur again. Moreover, shaping is employed, in that the frames start from the student's initial knowledge and in small steps proceed to the final knowledge. The student is therefore usually correct and continues to be reinforced, which keeps him or her at the task until completion.
The principles of programmed learning have been incorporated into a method of instruction that is usually called Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). PSI is a self-paced instruction format where each student works his or her way through the course material, which is broken down into small steps. Each student must "master" the material in one unit through a quiz before moving on to the next unit. Because of active student participation, small steps, immediate feedback, and reinforcement, PSI can be very effective (Reiser, 1984). Currently, the principles of programmed learning are being applied to a form of education called computer assisted instruction (CAI). The computer can be used to present learning material and help students learn through a variety of techniques such as quizzes, simulations, explorations, and tests. Computer assisted instruction is effective in part ecause of the availability of immediate feedback (Pridemore & Klein, 1995). Computer and Internet sites provide the opportunity for students to actively participate in research (Brothen, 1995). There are currently a number of research opportunities on the Internet. A recent meta-analysis of the efficacy of computer assisted instruction showed it to be an effective educational technique (Fletcher-Flinn & Gravatt, 1995). Programmed learning continues to be an effective way to implement in the classroom some of the basic principles of operant conditioning. |
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