Best Practices for Web-Conferencing and Webinars: Exploring the Efficacy of Web Technology (Webinars) by Learner and School Characteristics

Learning Theories

Before the discussion on the effectiveness of web technology (webinars) in different learning settings begins, a review some basic foundational concepts is warranted. Early research indicates that there are three formative theories about learning: behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructionism. Behavioral learning is based upon the early research of Skinner (1963). It reflects a stimulus and response construct where the subject is exposed to a condition (and action) learns to repeat the sequence to achieve an outcome. Cognitive learning (Piaget, 1971) is a more conditioned method where a problem or situation is presented to the subject. A specific course of action is prescribed, and the subject is conditioned to replicate this sequence whenever presented with similar scenarios. Finally, constructionism (Bruner, 1966) is where the subject is presented with a series of data points (situational analysis) and allowed to develop their strategy for success given the constraints of the experiment or condition. Each theory has its merit and can be effective for learning environments.

Contrastly, each theory has equally challenging shortcomings. For example, under behaviorism, if the subject has not yet encountered a specific prescribed stimulus, then they may become confused and suspend their interaction entirely because they lack the skill or knowledge necessary to proceed forward. In cognitive settings, the learned technique for accomplishing a goal may not be the most efficient manner. Finally, in constructionism, the absence of clear guidance towards decision-making, social norms, ethics, and legal conformance could lead to extreme or divergent thinking. How facilitators approach designing instruction using web technology (webinars) for distance and online learning matters because each of these theories plays a significant role in managing student expectations and behavior.