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Learning theory, instructional design models, and technology

Harasim Chapters 2 & 3


OMDE610
1. Reflecting on behaviorist and cognitivist learning theory, what is the basic difference
between how an instructional designer looks at online course design and how an
experienced online instructor might regard it? What are the possible strengths and
weaknesses of each partys view and expertise? Provide evidence from this weeks
readings to back up your statements.
An instructional designer may look at an online course design from the perspective of the stimuli
response based on the behaviorist theory. Instructional design is focused on presenting a design
that can be centered on precision, prediction and replication (Harasim, 2012).
From the constructivist learning theory an instructional designer would look at online course
design with the focus on identifying an appropriate stimulus response that relates to pedagogical
strategies, the designer would enable the learner to receive the necessary skills in order to master
the course. The instructional designer would apply Gagnes nine event of instruction, which are
methods and procedures that facilitate specific learning processes (Harasim, 2012).
The experienced online instructor might regard the online course as a means of applying classical
conditioning where behavior becomes a reflex response to the stimulus, or operant conditioning,
where reinforcement of skills or behaviors should receive rewards or punishment (Harasim,
2012).
The experienced online instructor might also regard the online course as a means of assessing the
input and output of the required learning for the course, from a cognitivist perspective.
The strengths of the cognitivist theory is based on four principles states (Harasim, 2012).

Active learning
Learning by doing
Scaffolding
Collaborative learning

The strengths of the behaviorist theory is based on the stimulus being added, removed,
strengthened or weakened, to stimulate behavior (Harasim, 2012).

Positive reinforcement ---- Positive punishment


Negative punishment ---- Negative reinforcement

Behaviorist theory focuses only on predictability, and cognitivist theory focuses only on
information processing those are weaknesses of each theory (Harasim, 2012). Online learning is
dependent on using both theories for successful course design and instruction.
Harasim, Linda, (2012). Learning Theory and Online Technologies. New York: Taylor &
Francis Group (pp. 30-58).

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