On the Design of a Learning Environment

Abstract

Constructivism is a theory of how people learn, sharply in contrast with the earlier behavioral theories that advocated ‘‘direct instruction,’’ ‘‘behavior modification,’’ and ‘‘explicit teaching’’ as a means to designing training programs. We survey the theory of constructivism, and show how managers and others can evaluate training programs with reference to constructivist principles. We also indicate the pedagogical motivations for using some of the technologies involved in Technology Based Training and Performance Support Systems. Technology Based Training and Performance Support Systems form an integral part of defining effective Knowledge Management strategies.